Veterinary Public Health


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Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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West Nile Virus (WNV) in Dead Birds - 2019

UPDATE: LA County Veterinary Public Health ceased testing dead birds for West Nile Virus in 2020, but other agencies continue to test them. Learn more about reporting dead birds for WNV testing here.

 

 

Did you know?crow

 

Why test dead birds for WNV?

Tracking WNV in dead birds helps show where the virus is active in the county. It also helps show the start and end to the WNV season.

 

What kinds of dead birds should I report for WNV testing?

Freshly dead birds of any species (except pigeons and doves) can be tested for WNV.  Crows and ravens are the species that most commonly test positive.

 

How do I report a dead bird?

 

 

Learn more about WNV

 

2019 map of West Nile Virus detected in dead birds in Los Angeles County

 

Where does this data come from?

Members of the public report dead birds to various agencies in LA County and in California. Each dead bird is tracked, even when they cannot be tested for WNV.

The Veterinary Public Health Program graphs and maps the LA County data from all participating agencies and shares it on this page.

Tracking WNV in dead birds has helped reveal shifts in the environmental epidemiology of the virus over the years. A vibrant dead bird testing program is an essential part of tracking the virus in our environment in LA County. You can help track WNV in our county by reporting dead birds.

 

  Last updated: January 24, 2024
 
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