What To Do If You Find a Dead Bird

There have been no positive cases of West Nile Virus in birds in Chester 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 10 total positives for West Nile Virus this season. 306 mosquito samples were tested with 10 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 TE township in July. Some of the nearby municipalities where positive mosquito samples were found include: West Goshen, Downingtown and Cain Township. Find a full list here.