WILD BIRD MORTALITY DATA BASE

Current scientific evidence indicates that outbreaks of highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza (“Bird Flu”), usually involve the death of a large number of waterfowl or shorebirds – as opposed to individual birds people may find on their property. As a result, when it comes to surveillance of dead wild birds as an early detection measure, DEP will primarily focus on events that involve large numbers of birds. At this time, we will not routinely be testing individual birds that are found dead – especially if they are backyard birds – robins, sparrows, pigeons, cardinals etc. – which are not considered to be highly susceptible to Bird Flu.

However, it is helpful to our efforts to gather information on the death of birds in our state. This information may yield clues or uncover trends that ultimately prove important for identifying Bird Flu or other diseases. Thus, even though we may not be testing backyard birds, collecting information on these occurrences is valuable to us.

Please help us monitor wild bird populations in Connecticut.

• If you see several dead birds in one location or notice that several birds die in the same area over the course of several days, this is a situation where testing of the dead birds may be warranted. If you observe this type of die-off, in addition to filling out this form, please call the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.
• Individual wild backyard birds that are found dead can be reported here and should be disposed of properly (see FAQs).
• Sick or dead domestic birds – mainly poultry - should be reported to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505.