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Residents Can Help DPH Track West Nile Virus by Submitting Dead Birds for Testing
Mosquito management and bite prevention are key to limiting people's exposure to West Nile Virus
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:51pm
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The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is asking residents to submit certain species of dead birds for lab testing to help the agency track West Nile virus activity in the state. DPH's dead bird surveillance program helps identify areas with increased West Nile virus activity so local officials can take appropriate actions to reduce the risk of infections in people and animals.
Why it matters
Tracking West Nile virus activity through dead bird testing provides an early warning system for local communities, allowing them to take steps like mosquito control and public education to prevent the spread of the potentially fatal virus. Residents can play an important role in this public health effort.
The details
Residents should submit recently deceased crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows and other songbirds that appear not to have been injured and are not decayed. These species are more susceptible to West Nile virus than others. To safely collect a dead bird, residents should use gloves or doubled plastic bags, keep the bird cool, and deliver it to a local DPH office along with a completed submission form.
- The dead bird surveillance program runs from March 16 through November 30.
- In 2024, 30 birds were tested from 12 counties, with 6 testing positive for West Nile virus.
- In 2025, 23 birds were tested from 12 counties with zero positives.
The players
South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)
The state public health agency responsible for tracking and responding to West Nile virus activity.
Dr. Chris Evans
The State Public Health Entomologist at DPH.
Dr. Linda Bell
The State Epidemiologist at DPH.
What they’re saying
“By submitting dead birds, you help provide an early warning so that local government or mosquito control providers can safeguard the health of residents.”
— Dr. Chris Evans, State Public Health Entomologist
“Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, and although the risk of serious illness is low, potentially fatal inflammation of the brain can occur in infected people, a condition known as encephalitis, which can result in permanent disabilities.”
— Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist
What’s next
DPH will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through the dead bird surveillance program and provide updates to local officials to guide their mosquito control efforts.
The takeaway
By submitting dead birds for testing, residents can play a vital role in helping public health authorities track and respond to West Nile virus, ultimately protecting their communities from this potentially serious mosquito-borne illness.
