Wildlife and West Nile Virus

West Nile virus has shown up in 282 North American captive and wild bird species, 24 mammals and one reptile.

While most species survive the infection, birds are more susceptible. In addition to the corvid family of birds – crows, ravens, blue jays and magpies – thousands of raptors, such as hawks and owls, have been infected and died from West Nile virus.

The National Wildlife Health Center has been receiving reports from several regions in the Eastern and Midwestern United States about decreased numbers and species of birds being observed. Because the virus is associated with bird mortality, it is possible that the decline in bird sightings is due to West Nile virus infection.

It is not unusual for any new disease to cause high rates of infection or death because species do not have natural immunity to the infection. It is not known if or how long it will take for bird populations to develop sufficient immunity. Surveys of wild birds completed in the last three years have shown that some birds already have antibodies to West Nile virus.

The presence of the virus in game birds is raising some questions from hunters. Some game birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. But there is no evidence of human infection from consuming properly cooked infected game. Hunters are generally at higher risk of infection from exposure to mosquitoes while hunting.

What about hunting dogs? Though it is possible, there is no evidence to indicate West Nile virus can be transmitted to dogs that carry or consume infected animals.

Hunters should always follow universal guidelines to reduce the exposure to any infectious organisms carried by game species. These include wearing gloves when dressing wild game, washing hands after handling carcasses and cooking game meat thoroughly.

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