West Nile Virus in Birds:

West Nile Virus has been detected in dead birds of at least 326 species. Although birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with West Nile Virus can die or become ill, most infected birds do survive. Click below to view a list of known infected birds.

There is no evidence that a person can get West Nile Virus from handling infected birds; live or dead. Persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal, and use gloves or plastic bags to place the bird carcass in a garbage bag, or contact your local health department for guidance.

You can also report a sick, injured, or dead bird to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW Bird Reporting).