What should be reported if a resident finds dead birds in their area?

Reporting possible West Nile virus activity when a resident finds dead birds is crucial because birds, particularly corvids like crows and jays, are known to be primary hosts for the virus. The presence of dead birds, especially in significant numbers or in close proximity, may indicate that West Nile virus is circulating in the local mosquito population. These findings often prompt public health agencies to increase monitoring and testing of both mosquito samples and additional dead birds to assess the risk to the community.

As for the other options, while increased mosquito breeding may be a concern in general, it is not the immediate implication of finding dead birds. Enhanced surveillance could be an appropriate action, but the clear connection with West Nile virus gives option B a higher priority. A public health scare might result from such findings, but the focus should be on the potential health risk rather than creating panic, hence option B is the most relevant and actionable response.