La Salle County collecting dead birds to test for West Nile

It’s time to start being on the lookout for dead birds.

The La Salle County Health Department is collecting dead birds to make sure they’re not carrying the West Nile Virus. The virus is spread to birds and humans by mosquitoes. Most people who get West Nile may only experience minor aches and pains but it has killed people in the past. La Salle County has had cases of the virus the last 13 years.

Dead birds that are tested include: crows; blue jays; cardinals; and robins. The bird’s body needs to be in good condition when tested and it has to of died from disease.