The mosquito season is under way and with it, the risk of West Nile virus (WNV). King County’s WNV environmental surveillance program in 2010 will focus on tracking dead birds because certain species of birds tend to get sick and die from West Nile very quickly. The public is urged to report dead birds one of two ways:

* Report dead birds online or

* Call Public Health at 206-205-4394

Information about dead birds is tracked by Public Health because an increase in dead birds in a particular area may be an early-warning sign that West Nile virus is entrenched in that area. In addition, some of the reported dead birds will be tested for the presence of West Nile virus.