KING COUNTY, Wash. -- King County residents are asked to contact the Public Health Department with reports of dead birds as the mosquito season is under way and West Nile virus is once again a concern, according to KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Clusters of dead crows may indicate that West Nile virus is present in the community as crows in particular die quickly from West Nile virus, King County officials said.

Beginning this week, some of the dead birds reported to Public Health will be collected for laboratory testing for West Nile virus, along with batches of mosquitoes trapped at locations throughout King County for surveillance purposes.

Residents should call 206-205-4394 if they have any information on clusters of dead crows.