Public Needed to Submit Birds for WNV Testing

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to submit dead crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows, and other songbirds for West Nile Virus (WNV) testing. Public participation aids in early virus detection. Handle birds with gloves or plastic bags, keep them cool, and deliver them to a DPH clinic within 36 hours or freeze until delivery. Birds can be submitted through November 30. In 2023, 43 birds from 18 counties were tested, with five positives for WNV. For details, visit https://www.dph.sc.gov/birdtesting or call (803) 896-3802.