I found a dead bird in my yard. What should I do?

Question

I'm afraid it may have died from the West Nile virus. I want to safely dispose of it. What should I do? Should I call animal control so they can test it or what?

I live in Winston-Salem (Forsyth County), NC.

Answer 1

call the health department they may ask you to bring it in, or they will come out and do tests on it. i used to live in winston-salem it is an awesome place. im sure the authorities will do tests to find out if the bird died a natural death or had west nile. i'm also happy that there are still some enviromental safty people worried bout our land! that is awesome of you, keep it up, and good luck!

Answer 2

Dead Birds In Yard

Answer 3

What should you do if you find a dead bird? Many people are asking that question according to the Health Department, based on concern about a severe form of bird flu that has not yet been found in the United States. In the absence of bird flu here, don’t worry about reporting a single dead bird unless it’s a dead crow, because dead crow reports help in tracking another disease: West Nile virus.

If you find a dead crow, call 1-866-537-BIRD. Other types of birds need not be reported at all unless there are many dead birds in the same area. Contact the regional Department of Environmental Conservation office if you see a lot of dead birds in the same place. They will decide if testing needs to be done. The bird flu usually involves migratory waterfowl, such as wild ducks, swans and geese, not backyard birds. The vast majority of backyard birds - robins, sparrows, pigeons, cardinals, etc. - will not need to be tested.

If you are disposing of a dead bird, use a shovel and wear gloves to double-bag the bird. Then, throw it out in the trash, or bury it at least three feet deep, away from a stream or other water source. Thoroughly wash your hands and your tools.

Finding a sick or dead bird can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that bird flu has not been found in the United States. We know from what has happened elsewhere in the world that bird flu does not easily infect humans. In most cases, bird flu can only make people sick if they have had very close contact with infected birds.

Answer 4

Yes, call Animal Control or the Health Department, as it's better to be safe than sorry. In the meantime, do what you can to keep children or animals from coming in contact with this bird. Maybe you could put a small box over the bird & weight the box down with a couple bricks.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I found a dead bird in my yard. What should I do?
I'm afraid it may have died from the West Nile virus. I want to safely dispose of it. What should I do? Should I call animal control so they can test it or what?

I live in Winston-Salem (Forsyth County), NC.

Answer 6

Couple months agao i notice these unusal birds nesting in my tree in my front yard and now i am finding them dead on my driveway and under the tree. This all happened within this month. Is this a concern?

Answer 7

i found a fallen nest of baby birds at school a few years ago but no birds in my backyard, alot of possums though actually no when i was little i found my chickens dead after a fox half ate them i live near a creek so there are lots of animals around

Answer 8

Take a plastic bag and put your hand inside. Pick up the bird with the hand in the bag. Turn the bag inside out over the bird and then close the top with a knot. Throw it in the trash.

You cannot get West Nile virus from an infected bird. The virus must pass through a mosquito vector before you can be infected.

Answer 9

gather some small dried twigs throw them on top of the birdy.........
as above,, some LARGE DRIED STICKS. throw them also on top of the wee birdy
get 4 litres of petrol , pour carefully over wood and birdy, get a 30ft pole attach a burning rag to one end, place the burny end over the wood, that should solve your problem, there might be nothing left of your garden afterwards but at least you will be able to sleep content in knowing the wee birdy has gone for good. buy some grass seed as soon as possible... now here is how to sow grass seed, first open the bag,
.

Answer 10

You should report it. They like to keep track of viruses as you mentioned and would appreciate your input. You can bury the bird then. Make sure it is deep enough and do not dig near utilities.