If you come across a bird either dead or dying in Tooele County, please contact the health department. Phone (435) 277-2440 or email the Web Master. An Environmental Health Scientist will come and collect the bird.

If for some reason you must pick up the bird use rubber gloves or place your hand in a double plastic bag and use the plastic gloved hand to pick up the bird. Pull the plastic bags down over the bird to capture it safely. Tie the bag in a knot and place it inside of another plastic bag. Place the bag with the bird in it safely away from humans or animals.

If you are instructed by the health department to throw the bird away, follow the steps above then throw the knotted plastic bag in an outdoor garbage can. If you would rather not pick up the bird, cover it with a generous amount of ice and cover it with an inverted garbage can, empty bucket, or other container until it can be picked up by the health department.

Wash your hands immediately with soap and water.

All birds have the potential to carry WNV, but some species are more likely to do so than others. The Utah Division of Wildlife has identified the following birds as birds of interest which are more likely to carry the virus.  Please visit their website for more information. If you come into contact with any of the following birds which have died, you can log onto their website and report the birds online.   You may also contact the health department.

The Birds of the crow family along with birds of prey tend to die sooner than other birds who may carry the virus. Blue Jays and Blue Birds also tend to carry the virus.