Environmental Health
Reporting Dead Crow and Blue Jays
The West Nile Virus (WNV)
infects certain wild birds. Infected WNV mosquitoes bite a bird and the
bird serves as a host for the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when
they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to
humans.
Infected crows and blue jays are known to get sick and die from WNV, therefore they are excellent early indicators of WNV presence in an area. Surveillance of dead crows and blue jays is a tool utilized to check for WNV activity in the environment. When WNV has been identified in an area, this allows for implementation of prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of the virus.
During the summer and fall of 2002, WNV was identified in 54 crows and blue jays throughout Knoxville/Knox County. Knox County will again monitor dead crows and blue jays as an effective means for early detection of the virus in an area. Anyone who finds a dead crow or blue jay on their property can call the Health Department at (865) 215-5200 to report the dead bird and each caller will be asked a series of questions to help determine if the bird is acceptable for testing.
Has the bird been dead less than 24 hours?
(We will not accept any birds unless they have been dead for 24 hours or less).
Is the bird decomposed?
(Presence of maggots or a strong odor indicates that decomposition is occurring).
Type of bird found?
(If unsure, we will not utilize the bird for testing. Crows are all black, including beak, eyes, and legs. They are at least 12 inches from beak to tail.)
Is the bird intact?
(If the bird is missing a head, wing, or any body parts, the bird is not suitable for testing and should be discarded.)
The following instructions should be used when submitting dead birds for WNV testing through the Health Department:
1. Ensure the dead bird fits these criteria:
- American crows or blue jays found in Tennessee
- Less than 24 hours since death
- No odor or maggots ( Indicates tissue decomposition)
- Is an intact bird (whole bird)
American Crow: Tip of bill to tip of tail is 15 -17 inches.
Blue Jay: Tip of bill to tip of tail is 9-11 inches.
2. Wear gloves while handling the carcass (as is prudent for handling any dead wild animal). If gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be placed over one's hand, the bird picked up, and the bag pulled over the carcass.
3. Double-bag the carcass in a resealable clear storage bag or other clear plastic bag so that the bird can be clearly seen through the bag.
4. Keep the carcass in a disposable cooler or utility refrigerator. Keeping the bird cool will slow tissue decomposition. The cooler should be kept out of the sun.
5. The following information will need to be supplied to the county health department upon submission of the carcass:
- a. Name and phone number of the person submitting the bird.
- b. Location of where the bird was found: street address, city or town, county, zip code.
- c. Type of bird (American crow or blue jay) and date the bird was found
