Please look through the instructions below first to clear up any questions you may have before filling out form.

Click here to fill out the reporting form for observation of sick or dead wildlife

(Use this form to report all species of birds and mammals found sick or dead.)

Instructions on Using the On-Line Reporting Form:

Do we want to laboratory test the animal you found?

Submitting birds and mammals for laboratory testing.

Help with general bird identification.

How to collect a specimen for testing.

How to dispose of a dead bird or mammal.

Purpose of web-based reporting form.

Domestic animals (horses, livestock, pets).

Questions about using the form.

Do we want to laboratory test the animal you found?
After hitting the 'submit' button, you will be notified if the bird or mammal should be submitted for laboratory testing and how to submit it. Testing submissions are handled either by the local Health Department or by the local DNR Wildlife Field Office, depending on what species of animal it is. You will be responsible for contacting the appropriate agency for further instructions. Animals must be recently dead and not be decomposed or covered with insects. In warm weather this happens quickly, so if you would like to preserve the animal, place it on ice or in a freezer or refrigerator. For general instructions on collection, bird identification and more, read below. For further instructions about collecting animals for West Nile Virus (WNV) testing refer to the WNV instructions page. For further instructions about collecting animals for Avian Influenza (AI) testing refer to the AI instructions page.

Submitting Birds and Mammals for Laboratory Testing
Examination of most birds and mammals will be performed at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Disease Lab (WDL). (In some instances, such as corvids to be tested for West Nile Virus, your local county health department will be the contact agency. See the WNV instructions page.) If you receive a message that the animal may be needed for testing, you must contact a local DNR Wildlife office by following the link that will be given to you or look one up by clicking here. You will be required to deliver the specimen to the office. Submission may be limited to birds or mammals that were observed alive showing signs of central nervous system disorders and are recently dead (appear to have died within the last 48 hours), with no evidence of decomposition (noxious odor; presence of small, white fly larvae (maggots) or predator trauma (open body cavities, exposed muscles). If the animal is found dead without prior observation of symptoms, examination will depend on the species of animal and the circumstances surrounding it's death.

Help with general bird identification

Cornell University On-Line Bird Guide

Great Backyard Bird Count On-line Guide

USGS Patuxent Bird Identification Center

eNature.com On-line Bird Field Guide

How to Collect a Specimen (Dead Bird or Mammal) for Testing
If you are willing to collect the animal for testing and you have contacted a local DNR Wildlife office to make arrangements to drop of the animal, please use disposable gloves to put the specimen in a double plastic bag. In general, most diseases are not transmitted directly from dead birds or mammals to humans. However, to reduce the risk of transmission and as a good hygiene practice, always avoid bare-handed contact when handling dead animals. If gloves are not available, you may turn a plastic shopping bag inside out and scoop up the specimen with the bag. Please maintain the specimen at refrigerated temperatures. It is o.k. to freeze the specimen. If you feel uncomfortable refrigerating the specimen, you may also keep it in a cooler or other container, surrounded by ice. However, it is important to make sure that the specimen remains dry.

How to Dispose of a Dead Bird or Mammal

A dead bird or mammal should be buried or disposed of through your regular trash pickup. Always avoid bare-handed contact when handling dead animals. If gloves are not available, you may turn a plastic shopping bag inside out and scoop up the specimen with the bag.

Purpose of Web-based Reporting Form

The web-based reporting of dead or sick birds and mammals allows for rapid reporting of dead bird and mammal sightings and provides a means of collecting appropriate animals for examination. Reports of dead birds and mammals also remains important as it will be used to detect trends, over time, to determine a normal baseline wildlife mortality figure.

Domestic animals (horses, livestock, pets)
If you would like to talk to someone about a sick or dead domestic animal (horses, livestock, pets), please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 373-1077.

Questions about using the form
Contact Melinda at (517) 336-5030 if you have any questions about entering your information.