State flu-fighters ask for news of any dead birds

In an effort to keep tabs on the bird flu virus, the state has set up a toll-free hotline to report sightings of dead, wild birds as part of a nationwide surveillance testing program, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The hotline handles reports of all dead birds except crows, ravens, magpies and jays, which should be reported to local health departments that are tracking potential West Nile virus cases. The WDFW is most closely following waterfowl and shorebird species such as ducks, geese and swans.

Birds killed by flying into windows or being hit by cars would not warrant disease testing, said WDFW veterinarian Dr. Kristin Mansfield.

The WDFW's toll-free line is 1-800-606-8768. Callers will be asked for information including their name, the number of dead birds and their specific location, and, if known, the species of bird and how long the birds have been dead.

Wild bird die-offs happen naturally each year, but the WDFW plans to investigate large or unusual events, Mansfield said. Although wild birds are known to carry various strains of avian flu, often without serious health effects, one particular strain has sickened and killed birds in Asia and Europe. Roughly 200 people overseas have contracted the disease after close contact with infected birds, according to the WDFW.

As a standard safety precaution from the various diseases wildlife carry, people should not handle dead wild birds with bare hands, warns the WDFW.