Dead birds must be reported to the California West Nile Virus Hotline at (877) 968-2473. Operators are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and messages can be left after 5 p.m. While the agency may not request that the bird be held for pick up a report is taken to track the West Nile Virus.

To dispose of a dead bird or animal yourself, follow these standard safety precautions:

• Check the bird or animal carefully for life signs by observing it for movement or breathing, touching the animal with a long stick or by tossing a small stone in its direction (not at it) before approaching it.

• Avoid touching the dead bird or animal with your bare hands especially if you have open wounds and avoid a scratch or skin puncture by any sharp parts of the bird or animal.

• If available, use a shovel or heavy-duty, leak-proof rubber gloves to handle dead birds or animals.

• If these are not available use leak-proof plastic bags as a glove. Carefully pick up the bird or animal with your hand protected by one or more layers of plastic bags. Turn the bag(s) inside-out over the bird or animal so it ends up inside the plastic, with your hand on the outside.

• Carefully handle the bird or animal so the beak or claws do not puncture the bag or gloves.

• Tightly close the plastic bag(s) containing the bird or animal and tie the ends together or use a twist-tie to seal it shut.

• Dispose of dead birds or small animals with your usual household trash.

• Wash your gloved hands with soap and warm water to avoid contamination of your bare skin and then wash your bare hands with soap and warm water before any hand contact with other parts of your body (especially your face).