Would you be concerned?

[FreakyWxChick]

Today while playing outside, my kids found not one but two dead birds laying on the ground. One was a crow and I dont know what the other one is. West Nile has been detected in the counties adjacent to mine so it makes me wonder. I know the chances of contracting it are slim, but I am immune compromised.

Anyhow, just wondering if we have any people really familiar with WNV.

[streetsoldier]

If you still have the carcasses, you might wish to call Animal Control and ask them to look the birds over...

[JetMaxx]

Yes Sandy, I would definitely be concerned....and would contact the local health department (here in Georgia it's gotten so bad, they are just advising us to call 911 if we find a dead bird -- and they send the cops and health dept. reps to recover the dead bird for testing).

God Bless,
Perry

[Stormsfury]

So far this year in South Carolina, a confirmed case of WNV was found in a dead bird in Summerville ... which is not very far from where I'm located ... and even worse, with the drought totally over and now in an overall surplus period and at times, excessive rainfall .... mosquitoes have literally exploded across the area, and even with the commended efforts from the Mosquito control units fighting them vigorously, WNV is of a definite concern across the area ...

[Lindaloo]

We have only one confirmed case thus far and it was detected in a horse two counties over from me.

I would contact local officials to be on the safe side. ESPECIALLY, if you found two dead birds.

[Stephanie]

DEFINATELY call Animal Control. They will do tests on the birds to confirm whether it was West Nile or not. You'd be doing yourself and your neighbors a favor!

[Colin]

Yes, call Animal Control... just to make sure. WNV has been found around here last year, not sure if there has been any this year... but it's very concerning to me.

[Guest]

Even though the presence of West Nile Virus is drastically less than last year (researchers are still not sure why), I would definitely be concerned about 2 dead birds. I agree with everyone else here who says to call the health dept or animal control. Let us know what happens.

[nystate]

We have found a few dead birds over the past few days in my backyard...I got some gloves on and disposed of them. WNV is bad in Upstate NY, but I'm not really worried...the chances of getting it are slim.

[petal*pusher]

Call the Health Dept. Most likely they have a list of correct phone numbers, agencies to alert, and the facts on exactly how many other dead birds/animals have been located in your area. Nystate is correct.....DO NOT TOUCH THEM!

Last year, Michigan was second in the nation with positive results for West Nile Virus! We had over 60 deaths; 2 right here in Lenawee County! A crow was found early May that tested positive this year. Several other birds have been found. We had both a crow and a catbird that we called the H.D. about before school let out.

There was an excellent show on about WNV just the other night. It mentioned that even if contact is made with an infected misquito, most people will not get sick. I was also interested in the fact that those who have been in contact with this.......and exhibited milder symptoms.....(supposedly) will not have recurring problems. Whew! I'm outside all summer long, and was very sick last summer..........sore throat, swollen and stiff neck, terrible achy body.........the Dr. thought it was WNV, but the only way to be sure was a spinal tap. I'm just VERY cautious now....and change all the bird-baths every other day!.........p

[FreakyWxChick]

I just thought I would update on the dead bird situation. I was out most of the day today and didn't get home until after 5. I went online and looked for Pennsylvania and WNV.

I found a specific site that addresses WNV in PA. It shows which counties have had cases so far in 2003. It lists where to drop off dead birds by county for testing, and it even has a place where you can report dead birds online.

Anywho, I reported the birds online. If anything comes of it, i will let you know.