With mosquito control agencies and local county health departments around the state, Oregon Health Authority tests adult mosquitoes and birds for mosquito-borne encephalitis. Health care providers, veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories take part in surveillance efforts.
If you find a sick or dead bird:
Birds are a natural host for West Nile virus; in Oregon particularly crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and sage grouse. A large or continuous die-off of birds may be a local indicator of WNV activity.
Contact one of the following Oregon agencies for collection and testing for West Nile virus surveillance:
If you suspect a horse has WNV infection:
Veterinarians are required to report horses with the appropriate clinical signs. Refer to West Nile Virus testing for further information and contact the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture at (503) 986-4760 before submitting horse samples.
Other animals and WNV:
Any other animal suspected of having West Nile virus or other viruses carried by mosquitoes will be tested at a laboratory. If you have any questions, please call the state public health epidemiologist on call at Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, (971) 673-1111.