Identify and Report Dead Birds

Birds and West Nile Virus

West Nile virus has been detected in at least 200 species of birds (Large PDF File, 204K). Although birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with West Nile Virus can die or become ill, most infected birds do survive.

Not all dead birds that are found have died from West Nile virus. For example, many birds that are found dead near buildings, usually under large windows, die due to trauma suffered by flying into the windows. At certain times of the day, the reflections on the windows create an optical illusion and make them seem like open air. Birds mistakenly fly into windows and usually break their necks.

Persons should avoid bare-handed contact with any dead animal including birds, and should use gloves or double plastic bags to place bird carcass in a garbage bag or contact the Health Department for guidance.

The Health Department has observed a drop in the number of dead birds reported in the County over the past three years. Much of this is due to the fact that those birds adversely affected by West Nile virus infection have died. Those not adversely affected by the infection have survived, developed immunity and continue to contribute to the gene pool. The ones that have died are no longer in the gene pool, while surviving birds have developed immunity to the virus. Since West Nile virus has been in the region for several years, there are a large number of immune birds in the population.

Reporting Dead Birds

If you have found a dead bird, please report it to the Health Department by clicking here or by calling 703-246-2300 and pressing option # 1; TTY 703-591-6435.

How do I know what type of bird I found?

For information on common species of birds found in Fairfax County and how to identify them, click here.