Birds die for many reasons. Natural death is frequent among birds. Many birds have a naturally short life span, must compete with other species, or succumb to severe weather, or predators. Accidental death is also common amongst the wild bird population; impacts with power lines, vehicle collisions, aircraft strikes and impacts with windows or buildings can all be fatal to a bird.

As if this weren’t enough, toxicants can also be harmful or even fatal to birds. Disease in wild bird populations may contribute to death. Most wild bird diseases present no threat to human health; however, two wild bird-related diseases are of interest.

Within the past few years West Nile virus has become a common term in Indiana and the Midwest. Wild birds serve as an amplifying host for West Nile virus. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds and then biting humans.

Wild birds are also killed by the disease. Blue jays, robins, cardinals, crows and raptors (falcons, hawks and owls) are highly sensitive to the virus, and therefore are the best indicators of virus activity in a community. These are the only species of birds that the Indiana State Department of Health laboratory is testing for the virus. If one of these birds is found dead during mosquito season (May-October) contact the local health department. Local health officials will determine if the bird should be picked up for testing.

In recent months, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been the topic of interest. Avian influenza is most often found in water birds, such as waterfowl (gees, ducks, swans), and shorebirds (sandpiper-type birds).

The DNR has joined with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services in a state/federal partnership to initiate a pro-active wild waterfowl surveillance program. This will establish an early warning system for any evidence of HPAI in migratory waterfowl. Wildlife biologists from DNR and Wildlife Services will be handling all sampling and monitoring activities for HPAI in Indiana.

If dead migratory geese, ducks, swans or shorebirds are found, DO NOT PICK UP THE BIRD FOR TESTING. Contact the Wildlife Conflicts Information Hotline at 800/890-4116 to report the location and number of dead waterfowl. DNR and Wildlife Services professional staff will determine if testing is necessary.

If it is not necessary for the bird to be tested, the bird should be disposed of properly. Dead wild birds should not be handled with bare hands. To dispose of a dead bird, use gloves or a plastic bag turned inside out over the hand to pick up the bird, double bag it and either bury it or dispose of it in the trash.