Dead Bird Reporting
THE MAINE CDC
DEAD BIRD REPORTING LINE: 1-888-697-5846
The Maine CDC tracks West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus throughout the state with reported sightings of dead crows, blue jays, and ravens. The collection and testing of these dead birds, collectively called corvids, is part of an early warning system to determine whether West Nile or Eastern Equine viruses are present and/or spreading in a certain area. We are asking the public to report dead corvids (crows, blue jays, and ravens) to the Maine CDC to assist in our efforts to protect Maine citizens. Although we will not test all corvids, all reports will be used for tracking and surveillance purposes.; It is important to remember not to handle any dead bird with your bare hands. We encourage everyone to visit the Maine CDC’s recommended instructions on how to handle a dead bird.
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| Blue Jay |
Crow |
Raven |
- 11-12 1/2"
- The blue jay has ablue upper body.
- It has a jaunty crestand a black necklace.
- The wings and tail are marked with white spots.
- The lower body is grayish-white.
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- 17-21"
- The crow iscompletely black, including its bill and feet.
- You may notice apurplish gleam in the sunlight.
- The tail is fan-shaped.
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- 22-26"
- The raven is oftenmistaken for the crow, but is much larger.
- It is completely blackwith a purplish tintin the sunlight.
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You can leave a message at any time on the bird reporting line. You will be asked the following information about the dead bird:
- The type of bird;
- The date you first found the dead bird;
- Your name, town, county, and zip code;
- Your phone number.
Based on the information you provide, Maine CDC staff will decide whether or not the bird should be tested. If you find and report a dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please properly store the bird for no more than 24 hours or until we contact you, whichever comes first. The Maine CDC recommends the following instructions to properly store a dead bird:
- DO NOT handle the dead bird with your bare hands.Use gloves or a shovel;
- Double-bag the bird (a clear plastic bag is fine for this purpose);
- Store the bird in a cool, dry place, like your garage or basement;
- DO NOT store the bird in your refrigerator, freezer, or cooler.
How To Handle A Dead Bird
Before disposing of a dead bird we encourage citizens to report all dead bird sightings to the toll free bird reporting line 1-888-697-5846. If the bird in question does not meet our testing criteria or if your report goes unanswered for 24 hours, please dispose of the dead bird as instructed below:
- DO NOT handle the dead bird with your bare hands. You should either wear latex gloves or use a shovel that can be bleached or thrown away after discarding the bird;
- Place the dead bird in double plastic bags.
- Contact your local town official to see if disposing of the bird in your garbage is permissible. If this is a possibility, place the previously bagged bird in an outside garbage container.
- Bury the bird in a hole that is at least 18 inches deep;
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of the bird
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention greatly appreciates the assistance of all residents who report dead birds. The information is vital to our efforts directed towards understanding West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
