West Nile Virus Surveillance and Data
Dead Bird Reporting
Vermont has concluded its dead bird reporting season. A total of 308 dead birds were reported to the Vermont Department of Health, 38 birds were tested, and only one bird was found to be infected with West Nile virus.
We want to thank all Vermonters who reported dead birds to us during the summer season. All dead bird reports are important and help the State of Vermont understand the level of virus activity and the potential threat to human health.
The Health Department tests as many robins, jays, crows, ravens and raptors (hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, eagles) as possible for West Nile virus. These bird species are the most important for indicating the presence of the virus.
Wear gloves when handling and disposing of a dead animal. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water afterwards.
A Note About Bird Flu
There is no evidence of birds carrying the H5N1 bird flu virus in North America.
However, the Department of Fish & Wildlife is conducting surveillance by testing some dead birds (such as, ducks, geese, gulls, and herons) for bird flu.
- If you find a dead water or shore bird, or five or more dead birds at one time: call USDA Wildlife Services at 1-800-472-2437.
- If you have sick or dead poultry call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at
1-800-675-9873.
For more information about Bird Flu, visit the our Avian Influenza web site.
Dead Bird Report Line
Vermont has concluded its dead bird reporting season.
During the dead bird reporting season, if you have found a dead bird, please report it to the Health Department central dead bird reporting line at 1-800-913-1139. Our surveillance staff will help you assess whether the bird can be tested.
You may also call your district health office at the numbers below, Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
| Barre | 479-4200 | Burlington | 863-7323 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 334-6707 | St. Johnsbury | 748-5151 |
| Bennington | 447-3531 | Middlebury | 388-4644 |
| Rutland | 786-5811 | Springfield | 885-5778 |
| Brattleboro | 257-2880 | Morrisville | 888-7447 |
| St. Albans | 524-7970 | White River Jct. | 295-8820 |
People cannot get West Nile virus from handling dead birds. However, it is always wise to wear gloves when handling a dead animal and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.