Posted: 05.03.2011

Wisconsin health officials have reactivated a statewide, toll-free hot line for residents to report dead birds.

It's a way for the state to help track the mosquito-borne West Nile virus. State Health Officer Dr. Henry Anderson says dead birds act as an ``early warning system'' for West Nile. He says finding the virus in birds indicates that West Nile virus may be present in local mosquito bites.

Anderson says anyone who finds a dead bird can call the hot line and arrange to have the bird tested for West Nile virus. Hot line staff can answer questions about dead birds and provide information on safe handling and disposal.

People should not handle dead birds with their bare hands.

The hot line number is 1-800-433-1610.

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