What to Do When You Find a Dead Bird
Finding a dead bird in your yard or while on a walk is not pleasant. In some areas that have dealt with West Nile virus and other bird diseases the local health department appreciates samples collected by the public. In other areas, the health department recommends that you dispose of dead birds as quickly as possible.
- Contact your local or state health department. Advise them that you have found a dead bird and ask whether they are collecting samples of dead birds. Some areas collect samples to see if certain bird illnesses are present in a location. If the health department advises you to collect a sample, follow their instructions. If the health department advises you to dispose of the bird, you can do so in your regular trash. Regardless, do not handle any bird with your bare hands.
- Put on rubber gloves or heavy work gloves before handling a dead bird. You can also use a plastic bag, folded up over your hand and forearm, to pick up the bird. Old grocery bags are generally a good-sized bag for this.
- Place the bird in a plastic bag or fold the bag over the bird. Double bag the dead bird in another plastic bag.
- Tie several knots in the plastic bag to secure the dead bird inside the bag.
- Dispose of the bird in your regular trash or place it in your freezer until you can take it to the designated area for your local or state health department. If you cannot freeze the bird, keep it in a cooler filled with ice.