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Dead Birds
As of July 2004, we no longer collect dead birds to test for West Nile virus. We know that West Nile virus is now established in the Kansas City metropolitan area, so it is important to take precautions every year. We do recommend that if you see a dead bird on or near your property, you dispose of it in the following manner:
- Wear disposable rubber gloves if you have them;
- Hold the trash bag in a way that the dead bird does not touch your skin, and make sure not to touch any surface that has touched the dead bird; there have been no documented cases of a person catching West Nile virus from any animal besides a mosquito, but dead birds may carry other diseases or parasites;
- Seal the bag with the bird inside; it is best to double-bag the dead bird to reduce the risk of the trash bag tearing;
- Throw away the rubber gloves with the bird, making sure to not touch any part of the glove that has touched the bird;
- Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Hotlines
For more information on West Nile virus, please feel free to contact our Communicable Disease Prevention hotline at (816) 513-6140. If you would like to report a possible mosquito breeding area (standing water, etc) contact our Community Environmental Health Program at (816) 513-6313. If the standing water is on private property, contact the Neighborhood Preservation Program at (816) 513-9000 to report your concern or complaint.
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