Report Dead Birds

Some birds, especially corvids like crows and jays, can get sick and die from West Nile virus. Wild bird die-offs in mid- to late-summer can indicate the presence of West Nile virus in our community.

Multnomah County Vector Control checks dead birds for West Nile seasonally between May 15 and September 30. You can help by calling us at 503-988-3464 to report dead birds.

If they meet these criteria and it's on a business day, we will come out and pick up the carcass so it can be checked for West Nile:

Dead less than 48 hours
A Corvid (crows, jays, ravens)
Fully intact body

Carcass meets pick up criteria	Day of the week	What to do
Yes	Monday - Friday	Call us for pick up
No	Weekends and holidays	Dispose of yourself

Dispose of a Dead Bird

For dead birds we don't pick up, you should dispose of the carcass yourself. Double-bag it and put it into your covered trash bin. If it’s more than a few days before your next trash pick up, add baking soda to the bag to minimize the odor.

Report a Dead Bird Outside of These Dates

Wild Birds

Wildlife Care Center | 503-292-0304
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area | 503-621-3488

Domestic Birds

Oregon Department of Agriculture | 503-986-4711

About West Nile Virus

In most cases, the virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they bite an infected bird. They can then spread it to other animals or people.

You can get West Nile virus from:

The bite of an infected mosquito
Blood transfusions or organ donations from an infected donor (but not from donating blood)
Pregnant mothers to unborn children
Breast milk (but mothers are still encouraged to breastfeed their babies).

You can't get it by handling live or dead infected birds. If you handle dead animals it's still important to wear gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water after you've removed them.

The infection rate of West Nile virus in dogs and cats is very low. It can illness and death in horses, but a vaccine for horses is available. If you are concerned, contact your veterinarian.

Illness and symptoms

It takes 3 to 14 days for a mosquito bite to cause illness. Most people do not become very sick. They may have no symptoms at all, or have a mild illness with fever and body aches.

Less than one percent of people who get the virus become severely ill with encephalitis. The elderly are at greatest risk for serious illness.

Seek medical care if you were bitten and have these symptoms: