2008 Dead Bird Testing Information

NOTICE:

The State of Utah is not doing dead bird testing for West Nile virus in 2008.

However, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department is doing a special study in 2008 on dead bird testing. So if you live within Salt Lake County and you have a dead bird that you would like tested, contact the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Dead Bird Testing Hotline at 801-534-4572.

If you have a dead bird on your property and do not live in Salt Lake County, or do not want to have it tested, dispose of the bird properly by following these guidelines:

• Avoid touching the dead bird with your bare hands
• Use rubber gloves or put two plastic bags over your hand
• Invert the bags over your hand, grab the bird, wrap it up, and tie off or seal the bags
• Throw the bags (dead bird included) into an outside garbage container
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• NOTE: You cannot get West Nile virus from the dead bird