What To Do If You Find a Dead Bird

There have been no positive cases of West Nile Virus in birds in Delaware County, according to Pennsylvania's West Nile Virus Control Program, but two have been found within the state. 

If you find a dead bird on your property, click here to report it to the state. The form is immediately sent to the state which will then inform the local programs if the birds meet the species criteria.

Maureen Hennessey Herman, director of the Delaware County Intercommunity Health Coordination, said there are three species of birds that they look for when testing for West Nile Virus; blue jays, crows or ravens and raptors (or birds with claws like a hawk, eagle or owl). 

"The bird should look as if it just fell out of the sky," Hennessey Herman said. "It should be fresh and not look as though its been clawed or decomposed."

She said birds are always important to consider with West Nile Virus however the focus is more on the mosquitos. 

"We've had more positive mosquito traps across the county, which is expected for this time of year," Hennessey Herman said.

In Delaware County, there have been 34 total positives for West Nile Virus this season. One bird was collected and tested but not positive for the virus. And 454 mosquito samples were tested with 34 testing positive. 

No human cases have been found across the state, this season which runs from May through October.

None of the positive mosquito samples were in Springfield township in July. Some of the nearby municipalities where positive mosquito samples were found include: Upper Providence, Haverford, Thornbury, Middletown, Aston, Chester, Edgmont, Chester Heights Borough and Rose Valley Borough. Find a full list here.

The Department of Environmental Protection will apply treatments on Aug. 8, in portions of Aston and Chester townships, as well as Brookhaven, Chester Heights and Upland boroughs, to control adult mosquito populations. In the event of rain, the spraying will be rescheduled for Monday, Aug. 12.