Dead Bird Reporting

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit will no longer be testing birds for West Nile virus (WNv). Dead bird testing is no longer required as an early indicator of West Nile Virus in Ontario because information collected over the past few years across the province has confirmed when and where the virus will most likely appear.

Ontario will continue to use other indicators, such as mosquito surveillance, to determine the human health risk of WNv in the province.

What Do I Do If I Find a Dead Bird?

You do not need to call the Health Unit.

If you have found a cluster of three or more dead birds or a large dead bird, for example waterfowl, the Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Help Centre may be interested in testing these birds for WNv. Please contact them directly at 1-866-673-4781, or visit www.ccwhc.ca for more information.

Double bag the bird and place it in your garbage for pick-up or bury the carcass at least two feet deep in an area that will not be disturbed. Do not bury in vegetable gardens.
Avoid direct contact with the bird carcass. Use a shovel and/or wear gloves to place the carcass in the bag.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a dead bird.