Help DHEC track West Nile Virus

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) seeks help tracking the West Nile virus (WNV) and asks the public to submit certain species of dead birds to local offices for testing. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. After 1 to 2 weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans and other animals. A high death rate from WNV in birds alerts DHEC to virus activity in a particular area of the state. This activity is then reported to local mosquito control programs so that appropriate action can be taken to help safeguard the health of local residents. In 2017, 49 birds submitted from 19 counties tested positive for WNV. DHEC is requesting that residents report or submit recently deceased (non-injured, non-decayed) crows, blue jays, house finches, and house sparrows to local offices. Residents are discouraged from submitting grackles, which are black or brown birds that look similar to crows but are much smaller, with a purple or green sheen to their head depending on the angle and light. When residents submit birds other than crows, blue jays, house finches, and house sparrows, DHEC will decide whether or not to test those birds on a case-by-case basis. DHEC is currently accepting bird submissions through Nov. 30, 2018. Instructions on how to safely pick up and transport a bird to the closest DHEC Environmental Affairs office are available online at www.scdhec.gov/birdtesting.