Reporting Dead Animals

The City's Environmental Services Department's Solid Waste Division is responsible for picking up and removing small dead animals from city streets, as well as from private property, once the animal has been placed in a plastic bag at the curb.

TXDOT handles the pickup and removal of dead animals on state highways.

Dead Bird Alert in Fort Worth

January 2025 – With bird flu (HPAI) making headlines, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control wants to ensure everyone knows how to safely handle any sick or dead birds you might come across. While the disease mostly affects poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, it’s also affecting wild birds. It's important not to take in or transport any sick birds yourself. Here’s what you should do if you find one. 

Signs of Illness in Birds – watch for these symptoms: 

• Sudden death
• Difficulty breathing
• Discharge from the nose or mouth
• Decreased energy or appetite
• Neurological symptoms like head bobbing or difficulty walking

If you spot these signs, avoid touching the bird and report it to state officials. 

Reporting Dead or Sick Birds:

• For poultry, call the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242 (24/7).
• For wild birds, especially large die-offs, report to Texas Parks and Wildlife at 512-389-4800.

How to Safely Handle a Dead Bird:

• Don’t touch it directly. Use gloves or a plastic bag to pick it up.
• Dispose of it safely. Double-bag the bird and place it in the trash—do not bury or compost it.
• Disinfect afterward. Wash your clothes in hot water and clean shoes with a bleach solution or disinfectant. Wash your hands thoroughly. 

Should You Be Concerned? The CDC says the risk of catching bird flu from handling infected birds is low, but if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) within 10 days, see a doctor for peace of mind.

Stay safe, Fort Worth! 

How do I report a dead animal on a city street or private property?

Call the Customer Care Center at 817-392-1234, use the online reporting site or fill out a form. 

How do I report a dead animal on a city street or private property?

Call the Customer Care Center at 817-392-1234, use the online reporting site or fill out a form.

Solid Waste will respond to request within 24 hours.

How do I report a dead animal on a state highway?

Call 800-558-9368 or report online.

City of Fort Worth Customer Care Center hours:

• Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Out on the town, heading to work, or visiting a friend?

Request services by cell phone using MyFW texting or the MyFW App, the official app for residents and visitors to quickly and easily request services from the City of Fort Worth, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

MyFW Texting:

• Text HELLO to 817-835-MYFW (6939).
• Keep text message simple
• One-word requests work best. For example: pothole.

My Fort Worth (MyFW)