Many dead birds and bunnies in my area last year........lost a few people too.........
The West Nile Virus was prevelent here in this Michigan county of Lenawee last summer. The birds that seemed to get hit the most were larger ones like Crows, Owls, Hawks.......even an Eagle that this was a suspect. Perhaps because of their size, we simply noticed them more. There were many confirmed human cases, and 3 deaths I believe.
This is a scarry problem! I work outside in my yard all summer and was one of many who found themselves in bed for more than a week because of very sore and stiff neck......horrible body aches.......fever. It was not fun. The Dr. suspected West Nile. My husband is a surveyor who daily works outside......and has a weakened imune system because of leukemia (in remission now)......ought to be an interesting summer........p
