Dead birds may now be reported online

DUPAGE COUNTY—The DuPage County Health Department has launched an online reporting tool that will make it easier for County residents to report dead birds that may have died from West Nile virus (WNV).

In this region, WNV can be carried by a variety of birds, as well as Culex mosquitos. Reports of recently deceased birds can be an indicator of early or localized WNV activity. This new form will be easy to use and helpful to the Health Department to “Fight the Bite.”

The data collected will be shared with DuPage County entities that are responsible for mosquito abatement so they can make informed decisions about appropriate control measures, as well as alert the general public about precautions that should be taken if WNV activity increases.

Only birds that have been dead for less than 48 hours should be reported, including crows, blue jays, grackles, starlings, robins, cardinals, sparrows, finches, hawks and owls. These are the types of birds known to carry WNV in this region.

To report dead birds visit: http://www.dupagehealth.org/dead-bird-sighting

Among the questions that residents will be asked on the online form are address, number of dead birds, the type of bird and length of time that the bird has been dead.

For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org/ftb and follow Fight the Bite on Twitter @fight_the_bite or become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/fightthebitedupage

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