The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission introduced an updated Avian Mortality Reporting App last week, enabling residents to submit details on sick or dead wild birds through a web-based form accessible on phones or computers.
The tool, available at MyFWC.com/AvianHealth, replaces an earlier version and allows users to upload photographs, select bird silhouettes for identification, and pinpoint locations on an interactive map by dragging a crosshair marker.
FWC biologists investigate submitted reports each year to monitor diseases including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, West Nile Virus, and Avian Pox. Data from the public feeds into statewide tracking efforts that identify outbreak patterns and inform responses for wildlife and human health risks.
Dr. Becky Hardman, FWC wildlife health veterinarian, stated that public submissions enable earlier detection of outbreaks. Agency staff triage reports for field investigation, carcass collection, and laboratory testing, though individual acknowledgments are not issued for every entry.
The app operates on the ArcGIS Survey123 platform and requires no download; users access it directly through a browser. Reports can document single birds or groups, with fields for condition, number affected, and observer contact information.
FWC coordinates with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, University of Florida, and other partners to analyze samples. The agency advises against handling sick or dead birds and recommends reporting domestic poultry deaths separately to state agriculture officials.
Since 2022, Florida has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in multiple counties across species such as lesser scaup, black vultures, and bald eagles. Current monitoring continues without reported large-scale die-offs this season.
Residents encountering unusual bird mortality are directed to the online form or the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922. Additional resources appear on MyFWC.com under avian health sections.
