West Nile Virus Surveillance and Data
Dead Bird Reporting
With the end of the 2007 mosquito season, we have completed conducting West Nile virus surveillance in Vermont.
If you have found a dead bird, you may dispose of it either by double bagging it and putting it in your trash or burying it. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
If you find a dead water bird (that is, duck, goose, gull or shorebird), or five (5) or more dead birds at one time, please call USDA Wildlife Services at 1-800-472-2437.
If you have sick or dead poultry, please call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture at 1-800-675-9873
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 (for example, ducks, geese, gulls, and herons) for bird flu.
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.