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Dead, infected birds are usually a harbinger of the West Nile virus season.

I've had a couple of people call me with frustrations over the state's dead bird hot line, 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

One woman last week told me an operator of the hot line said the state wasn't picking up birds yet. Another person said the operator said they didn't want the bird, and the homeowner should dispose of it himself.

I brought these concerns to the state Department of Public Health, which runs the hot line.

California is accepting reports of all dead birds, said spokeswoman Lea Brooks.

But the types of birds they want can change throughout the year, she said. Some birds are more susceptible to West Nile and are better indicators than others.

For example, the dead, infected mourning dove that was found earlier this month probably had the virus in it since last year, said nationally renowned West Nile expert William Reisen, entomologist and professor with UC Davis, in the story "West Nile: We were the epicenter last year — what lies ahead?" that ran Sunday in The Californian.

Mourning doves rarely die from the virus and can sequester the virus in their livers and spleens for many months, he said.

Birds like sparrows, scrub jays and crows, though, get infected and die quickly, Reisen said. So if Kern sees a spate of these birds reported, it's likely that West Nile is circulating in the community.

State workers will likely pick up a dead bird within 24 hours of a report if researchers are interested. And even if they're not, your report is useful considering it helps researchers track where birds are dying.

If the researchers don't want it, you can dispose of it yourself. You cannot catch West Nile from a dead bird.

According to the state's West Nile page, it is best not to handle the dead bird with your bare hands. Use gloves, a shovel or a plastic bag to place the bird in a trash bag for disposal.

Do not freeze dead birds. 

And, as always, take precautions against mosquitoes:

• Eliminate all sources of stagnant or standing water.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeves and pants while outdoors whenever possible.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Make sure the doors and windows in your home have tight-fitting screens with no holes or tears.
• Contact the appropriate mosquito abatement district if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work, for a supply of mosquito fish to control larvae in troughs and ponds or to report an abandoned swimming pool. Call the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District at 589-2744, Westside Mosquito Abatement District at 763-3510, Delano Mosquito Abatement District at 725-3114 or South Fork Mosquito Abatement District at 760-376-4268.
• If a home with a green pool is vacant, feel free to call the broker or the Bakersfield Association of Realtors at 635-2300.
• Avoid over-watering lawns.
• Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.