Birds can become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Infected mosquitoes may occasionally transmit WNV or EEE to humans.

Since birds die from many different causes, finding a dead bird does not necessarily mean they are infected with WNV or EEE.

Though WNV or EEE have never been shown to spread directly from wild birds to people, citizens are urged not to touch dead birds or any other dead animals with bare hands.

DHHS collects reports of dead bird sightings within NH as a monitoring effort.  However, bird mortality no longer provides useful predictive data for EEE and WNV surveillance so wild bird testing will not occur on a regular basis.

If a bird is to be tested, it must be approved for testing prior to delivery by calling the WNV & EEE Information Line 1-866-273-NILE (6453).  Testing will be conducted only on dead birds that are not overtly traumatized or decomposed.  Laboratory testing of dead birds will occur only if the community where the dead bird was located has the resources to collect and transport the specimen.