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	West Nile Virus

Learn more about West Nile Virus

Surveillance efforts for West Nile virus are ongoing under the coordination of the Department of Health and Human Service's Bureau of Communicable Disease Control. New Hampshire Audubon is not a source of expertise on the West Nile virus, but here is some helpful information and guidelines for reporting dead birds.

The New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services has set up a twenty-four hour, toll-free hotline 1-866-273-6453 for the public to call for information about the virus.

If you find a dead bird during mosquito season, the N.H. Dept. of Health & Human Service website asks that you contact your local Health or Animal Control Officer). This website also provides more information about West Nile Virus in general, as does the State's toll-free West Nile Information Line, 1-866-273-6453.

Background information West Nile virus is considered a disease of birds that is occasionally transmitted to humans and mammals by an infected mosquito. It has spread from east to west across the country. Infected birds sometimes become sick and die. Most people who are actually infected with the virus experience no symptoms, or mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than 1% of people infected will become seriously ill. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable. For more information on human health risks contact the Department of Health & Human Services hotline at 1-888-273-6453 or visit their website.

There is an ongoing effort in New Hampshire to monitor for mosquitoes and birds infected with the West Nile Virus. While crows have been the most likely species to be infected with West Nile, it has been found in many other bird species and in some mammal species.

It is not uncommon to see an occasional dead crow or other bird, especially along the roadside where road kills provide an easy meal. This is the most likely cause of dead crows that people observe along the roads. There are also diseases, such as salmonella, that are sometimes observed in birds coming to a feeder.

A New Hampshire coalition to address West Nile virus was formed in 1999, under the leadership of Dr. Jose Montero of the New Hampshire Bureau of Communicable Disease Control. New Hampshire Audubon has been represented on this task force.