Birds are the natural reservoir for West Nile virus. If a mosquito bites an infected bird and the virus is transmitted to the mosquito, it may then become a host itself. If the same mosquito then bites a human, it can pass the disease to the human. Because of this cycle, noticing dead birds could be the first sign of West Nile Virus in an area.

Citizens should report dead crows and blue jays to the local health departments. Clusters of dead crows and blue jays may indicate increased risk of human disease. This is important to local health departments.

The Ohio Department of Health lab is accpeting dead crows and blue jays for testing. No other birds are being accepted by the labs at this time. The bird must have been dead for less than 24 hours. Either refrigerated or frozen specimens can be tested. If you have a bird that meets this criteria that you would like to have tested, please drop it off at the Health Department between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

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Birds are the natural reservoir for West Nile virus. If a mosquito bites an infected bird and the virus is transmitted to the mosquito, it may then become a host itself. If the same mosquito then bites a human, it can pass the disease to the human. Because of this cycle, noticing dead birds could be the first sign of West Nile Virus in an area. Citizens should report dead crows and blue jays to the local health departments. Clusters of dead crows and blue jays may indicate increased risk of human disease. This is important to local health departments. The Ohio Department of Health lab is accpeting dead crows and blue jays for testing. No other birds are being accepted by the labs at this time. The bird must have been dead for less than 24 hours. Either refrigerated or frozen specimens can be tested. If you have a bird that meets this criteria that you would like to have tested, please drop it off at the Health Department between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.