ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department has received reports of two additional human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in county residents. The first human case of the season was announced on July 16, 2025, bringing the total to three cases this year. These new cases highlight the ongoing risk of mosquito-borne illness throughout our community and the importance of mosquito bite prevention and early warning systems such as dead bird surveillance.
Dead birds, especially species like crows, blue jays, ravens, and other perching birds, are important early indicators of mosquito-borne viruses. Testing these birds allows public health officials to track the presence of viruses before they spread widely in the community. By examining dead birds, officials can detect serious viruses such as:
• West Nile Virus (WNV)
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
• St. Louis Encephalitis, and others
This surveillance helps guide mosquito control efforts and provides valuable information to protect both people and animals.
A Local Partnership Protecting Public Health
Dead bird surveillance is an initiative of the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with the Thangamani Lab, SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, Upstate Medical University. When residents report and submit suitable dead birds, the Health Department works closely with the Thangamani Lab to test them for viruses. The results help identify areas of concern and allow public health officials to take action to prevent disease outbreaks.
“Dead bird surveillance provides us with an early warning system. Birds, particularly crows and jays, are highly sensitive to viruses like West Nile, and their deaths often signal local virus activity. By testing these birds, we can detect the emergence and spread of mosquito-borne viruses before they pose a greater risk to our communities,” said Dr. Saravanan Thangamani, Director of the Thangamani Lab.
How Residents Can Help
If you find a dead bird on your property or in your neighborhood:
1. Report It
• Call the Onondaga County Health Department Vector Program at 315-435-1649
• Learn more at our website.
2. Collect It Safely (only if directed to bring it in):
• Only collect birds that have died within 24 hours and show no signs of decay or maggots
• Wear gloves or use a plastic bag to avoid direct contact
• Double-bag the bird in sealed plastic bags
• Keep the bird cool (refrigerate, if possible, but do not freeze)
• Deliver to 4170 Rt 31, Clay, NY, Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Watch a helpful video here.
Why It Matters
By reporting and submitting dead birds for testing, residents help:
• Detect virus activity early, before people or pets become sick
• Support mosquito control programs
• Prevent outbreaks of diseases like WNV and EEE
• Expand the areas of virus detection beyond the County’s existing surveillance system
Safety Note
There is no evidence that West Nile Virus spreads directly from birds to humans through casual contact. However, residents should always avoid handling dead birds with bare hands and wash thoroughly after handling.
“Each new case of West Nile virus reminds us that mosquito borne viruses are an active threat to health in our community,” said Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson. “Dead bird testing, mosquito surveillance, and our ongoing partnership with the Thangamani Lab at Upstate are critical tools in protecting local public health. We’re grateful to residents who participate in this surveillance system—by reporting and submitting dead birds for testing, they help us detect virus activity early and take action to protect the entire community.”
“The collaboration between Upstate Medical University and the Onondaga County Health Department strengthens our ability to monitor the emergence of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. By combining community participation with advanced laboratory testing, we are building a stronger early warning system to protect public health,” added Dr. Thangamani.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
Residents are also reminded to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites, which can transmit viruses to humans:
• Use insect repellent that is EPA-registered and contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters, where mosquitoes can breed.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by repairing or installing window and door screens.
For more information about mosquito-borne diseases and dead bird surveillance, visit our website or call 315-435-1649.