Crow About Dead Birds to Help Track West Nile Virus

Public Health - Seattle & King County is asking area residents to help track potential cases of West Nile virus in King County by reporting dead birds.

Crows in particular die quickly from West Nile virus and clusters of dead crows may indicate that West Nile virus is present in the community, the department says. To report a dead crow, residents can call 206-205-4394 or report the bird online.

Over the next three months, dead birds reported to Public Health will be collected for laboratory testing for West Nile virus if they are deemed suitable candidates for testing. To be tested, the bird must be a crow, raven, jay, or magpie, must have been dead for less than 24 hours, and must not have visible trauma or decay.

There were no reported cases of West Nile virus in King County in 2010, but it has been active here in the past, the department says. According to Public Health, most people don’t feel the effects of the infection, but in others it can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including diseases of the brain and spinal cord. In the United States in 2010, 1,021 cases of WNV disease in people were reported from 41 states, and 57 people died. People of all ages can get WNV disease, but people over 50 are more likely to become seriously ill.