• What is a Corvid?
A corvid is a bird that is a member of the Corvidae family (or crow family), which includes crows, blue jays and ravens. Corvids appear to be especially susceptible to West Nile virus infection and can be used as an early indicator of the virus in an area.

• Avian Mortality
Although West Nile virus has been found to infect a number of bird species, in the spring and summer months it is not unusual for birds to die of other causes.

• WNV in Wildlife
West Nile virus infection has been identified in over 130 species of birds native to North America, although corvids account for 50-90 percent of reported cases.

• Monitoring Corvids
Corvids appear to be an early indicator of West Nile virus infection in an area, and are collected based on zip codes in Michigan.

• Laboratory Tests for Wildlife
Oral swabs are used to test dead corvids for West Nile virus. Kidney and heart tissues are used for non-corvid wildlife.

• Bird Identification Page
Identification aid with pictures of corvids as well as birds commonly mistaken for them.

• All Wildlife Reported
Table of all wildlife reported (includes corvids) via the on-line reporting form, update daily at 4 a.m. The first report received was on March 18th.

• Week-by-Week Summary of Corvids Reported by County 
Table of corvids reported via the on-line reporting form, by week and by county. Corvid numbers per week are based on the date the bird was observed sick or dead. Only counties with corvid birds reported will be listed.

• Corvids Reported by County
Table of corvids reported via the on-line reporting form, updated daily at 4 am. Only counties with corvids reported sick or dead will be listed in the drop-down box.

• Wildlife Testing Results (excludes corvids) 
Results are on non-corvid birds and mammals submitted to the MDNR or MSU, DCPAH. Table is updated as results become available.

• Wildlife Surveillance Maps
Maps of 2009 West Nile virus testing in corvids and other wildlife species.

• Information for Lab and Field Workers

• Information for Game Bird Hunters

• Information for Ornithologists and Bird Banders