The Iroquois County Public Health Department is requesting assistance from the public in the collection of dead birds found in Iroquois County. Since West Nile virus arrived in Illinois at the end of the summer of 2001, dead birds have been important indicators of West Nile virus activity. We are looking for perching birds such as crows, blue jays, finches, sparrows, and robins. Also acceptable for testing are blackbirds, bluebirds, catbirds, cardinals, chickadees, starlings, purple martins, and others.

Dead birds will be collected from May 1st to October 15th, 2024. Submitted birds should be believed dead for less than 24 hours. Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Birds that have an obvious cause of death such as a gunshot wound or that have been hit by motor vehicles are not eligible for testing. Residents who find dead birds should double bag them in plastic bags (plastic bags that seal are preferred) and bring them to the Iroquois County Public Health Department, at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka. 

For more information regarding collection of dead birds, contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department at (815) 432-2483 or visit the ICPHD website at
https://iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/health-department