Dealing with dead birds

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

The following is adapted from information provided by Bruce McNabb, Veterinary Epidemiologist, OMAFRA.
Increased awareness about Avian Influenza and West Nile virus has led to many calls to Government of Ontario call centres, public health units and veterinarians regarding the proper procedure when a dead wild bird is found.
The Ontario Avian Influenza Working Group (OAIWG), which is composed of specialists from the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Canadian Wildlife Service, has provided the following information on dealing with dead wild birds.
•If more than three dead wild birds of any species are reported in one location, please direct calls to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at (519) 824-4120 ext.54662.
•Authorities in Ontario are not currently accepting dead wild birds where only a single bird is found in one location, unless that bird is a crow, raven or blue jay. This protocol will be re-examined if necessary.
•Annual surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) is being conducted this spring/summer. Therefore if the dead wild bird is a crow, raven or blue jay, the person should phone their local health unit to find out whether or not the health unit requires the bird for the purposes of WNV surveillance. Note that it may or may not be necessary for the health unit to collect the bird, depending on the number of submissions at that time.
•If the dead bird is not being collected, then the person can dispose of the bird in the following manner:
a. Carcasses should be handled using an implement such as a small shovel or large tongs, or by hand only if disposable plastic or rubber gloves are worn.
b. Alternatively, carcasses may be placed in a puncture-resistant leak-proof plastic bag of appropriate size by inverting the bag over the hand, then grasping the carcass through the bag, and wrapping the bag around the bird without touching it.
c. Carcasses should be buried several feet deep where they will not be disturbed, or double-bagged and placed in garbage destined for a landfill.
d. Do not dispose of a dead bird in a manner such that someone could handle it again.
e. People handling birds should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
•If you have sick or dead farmed birds such as chickens, ducks or geese, you should call your veterinarian to get a diagnosis that includes laboratory testing.
Disease surveillance information on wild birds in Canada can be found on the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Heath Centre’s web site. http://wildlife1.usask.ca/en/CCWHC_home.php