Hawai‘i State Department of Health

How to Report a Dead Bird

REPORT BY PHONE

(Download, Turning in dead birds)

Dead birds in an area may mean that West Nile Virus is circulating between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. Over 100 species of birds are known to have been infected with the virus. Although birdsinfected with the virus , particularly crows and jays, can die or become ill, most infected birds do survive.

The public can play an important role in monitoring the virus by reporting dead birds to the Aloha United Way 211 toll-free hotline. AUW 211 works from most cell phones and land lines.

If 211 does not work from your phone, dial toll free: 877-275-6569 or 808-ASK-2000.

Prevention and surveillance measures are being taken by DOH to monitor and control the potential for disease. This is a public health concern, and the whole community needs to be aware.

Note: If you notice dead or dying poultry that are owned please report them directly to the Department of Agriculture, as it may indicate other diseases of concern.

"Owned poultry" may include ducks, chickens, swans, turkeys, pigeons, doves, pheasants, grouse, partridges, quail, guinea fowl, pea fowl, geese, etc not wild fowl.

The Department of Agriculture can be reached during business hours at 808-483-7102 or after hours at 808-837-8092.

When you Call 211 they will ask you:

about the condition of the bird
the location where you found it
the type of bird it is
some contact information for possible follow up questions.

The 211 operators will give you instructions on how to safely handle the bird. If the bird is of an appropriate species for testing the operator will give you directions to a near by bird collection site. Or if you can not drop the bird off at a collection site, the 211 operator will give your contact information to an agency who will make arrangements with you to pick up the bird. If the bird is not in good condition or of an inappropriate species the operator will give you instructions on how to properly dispose of the bird.

Not all types of birds are suitable for WNV dead bird surveillance testing. Some birds are very resistant to West Nile virus and rarely die when infected. Although the DOH collects reports of all species of dead birds, we will not test doves, pigeons, mynah birds, and chickens for WNV. They very rarely die from WNV. If they are found dead, most likely it is from another cause. Most other birds including house sparrows, java sparrows, house finches, Japanese white-eyes, bulbuls, cardinals, migratory birds, ducks, and native birds will be tested for WNV. Birds suitable for testing.

Download:

Submission form for dead birds

Turning in dead birds

Remember: We do not test doves, pigeons, mynah birds, or chickens because they do not die from West Nile Virus. But please do report all dead birds you may find by calling the 211 hotline.

Reporting How to pick up a dead bird >>