The Ashtabula County Health Department, Ashtabula City Health Department and Conneaut City Health Department will be accepting dead bird specimens starting Monday April 17, 2006.  Waterfowls and Raptors will not be accepted but for all other species of birds please contact (440) 576-3023 for collection arrangements.

As soon as two birds have been positively identified as having West Nile Virus the bird collections will discontinue.

All specimens need to be refrigerated or frozen if they cannot be delivered to the health department immediately.  Use gloves when handling specimens and afterwards wash hands with soap and water.   Place specimen in plastic bag before delivering to the Health Department.

If you have any questions or need further clarification please contact Jay Becker at (440) 576-3023 Ext. 125 or www.cdc.gov/westnile.