Residents encouraged to continue submitting dead birds for virus testing

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Public Health is reminding residents they can assist the agency in tracking West Nile virus this summer by submitting certain species of dead birds for lab testing.

DPH’s dead bird surveillance program helps the agency identify where and when there is an increase in West Nile virus activity, as a high rate of birds infected with the disease indicates an overall increase of the virus in a certain area. DPH notifies local officials if there is indication of increased WNV activity within their community so they can take appropriate actions to reduce the risk of WNV infections in both people and animals.

"The public's involvement with our dead bird surveillance program bolsters the agency’s monitoring efforts and can help identify West Nile virus before it begins affecting people,” said Dr. Chris Evans, state public health entomologist. “This is a unique opportunity for the public to proactively assist their public health agency in staying ahead of a potential health risk.”

Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. After one to two weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to people and other animals. The primary way to get West Nile virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito, which is why mosquito bite prevention and control are so important in reducing human exposures.

DPH doesn’t perform mosquito control. However, the agency does provide current information that helps individuals, communities and local mosquito control programs take action to reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites. Mosquito control programs are managed at the local level.

The amount of WNV activity varies from year to year. In 2023, 43 birds were tested from 18 counties, five of which tested positive for West Nile virus. Getting accurate data indicating mosquito-borne disease activity relies on adequate numbers of dead birds being submitted.

Specifically, DPH asks residents to submit recently deceased crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows and other songbirds that appear not to have been injured and are not decayed. These species of birds are more susceptible to WNV than other species, making them good candidates for testing. Birds of other types will be tested on a case-by-case basis.

Deceased birds can be reported or submitted to DPH at local public health departments through Nov. 30. To safely collect a dead bird, residents should:

• Use gloves or pick up the bird with doubled, plastic bags. Do not touch a bird, dead or alive, with bare hands.

• Keep the bagged bird cool until it can be placed on ice or in a refrigerator. If you can’t deliver the bird carcass to DPH within 36 hours of collection, freeze it until you are able to deliver it or have it shipped.

• Download and complete a Dead Bird Submission and Reporting Sheet for West Nile Virus and take the sheet and dead bird to a local DPH health clinic during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday). WIC-only public health departments can’t accept birds.

For more information, including locating a local DPH office for submitting deceased birds, visit dph.sc.gov/birdtesting or contact the Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory at (803) 896-3802 or vector@dph.sc.gov.
Additional information about WNV and mosquito management tips are available at dph.sc.gov.