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Report a Dead Bird

West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. Of those infected, crows, jays, ravens, magpies, and hawks tend to become sick and die. Increasing numbers of dead birds may be an indication of West Nile virus in your community. From May through October, you can help by reporting dead crows, jays, ravens, magpies, and hawks here online or contact your local health department, environmental health program. 

Report dead birds found in King County directly to the local health department.

• King County - Public Health - Seattle & King County at 206-205-4394

For all other counties, report using the Online Dead Bird Reporting Form

Your dead bird report is important to us and will be used for monitoring purposes. Although it is important for public health officials to track dead bird sightings, only some dead birds will be collected and tested for West Nile virus. 

If you have found a dead bird in good condition, please keep it. Double-bag the bird using a shovel, gloves, or plastic bags over your hands. Place it in a cool place, such as a cool garage or a bucket with ice packs. You may be contacted to determine whether the bird is suitable for testing. If you have not been contacted within 24 hours, please safely dispose of the bird in your trash.

Other dead birds are monitored for avian influenza and other diseases throughout the year. Report:

• Single waterfowl or shorebirds, and wild bird die-offs - Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife at 1-800-606-8768. Die-offs of five or more birds may also be reported by using DOH online dead bird reporting form above.

  •  Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COAAST) monitor shorebirds as indicators of marine ecosystem health.

  • Report federal bird bands to USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center at 1-800-327-2263.

• Domestic poultry - Washington State Department of Agriculture