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. 

In 2010, WNV was detected in 41 dead birds. This is a smaller number of WNV-positive birds so far than we had last year. (Note: Two WNV-positive birds near each other in Santa Clarita look like just one red star on the map). 

Cases of WNV infection in birds and people tend to be highest in the late summer, but may be happen at other times.

WNV is transmitted to humans, horses, and birds by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Testing dead wild birds for WNV provides a way tracking the virus in our environment. Veterinary Public Health works with the California Department of Public Health and local mosquito control agencies in conducting WNV surveillance in Los Angeles County.  

As always, thanks to Los Angeles County residents, Animal Control Agencies, and vector Control Agencies for you assistance with WNV surveillance.

To report a dead bird or tree squirrel in Los Angeles County, click here. 
To read more about WNV in humans, click here.


 

Last updated: January 25, 2024