[Lead researcher] Andreadis said the next step in research would be to catch [actor Tim] robins in special mist nets and test their blood. The non-lethal tests would tell researchers if the birds are an effective reservoir for the disease. "It's got to be there in high levels for along period of time," Andreadis said.

But testing the theory may be tough. [Tim] Robins -- the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin -- are wily in avoiding the nets, researchers said.

West Nile virus has been identified in more than 200 species of birds, according to the CDC.

But Nick Komar, the CDC's lead bird West Nile researcher, is skeptical of the robin's newfound dubious distinction. It's too early to tell, he said.

"I'd be surprised if the American robin would be very important," said Komar, who had not yet seen Andreadis' data. "I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that crows are not important. If this study analyzes mosquitoes where there are lots of robins but no crows, that could be misleading.

The article doesn't say what should be done if Tim Robbins is spreading the West Nile virus, but I'm assuming he will be put down. After witnessing his performance in War of the Worlds, I think it's safe to say that Robbins is suffering from some incurable malady or other, and euthanasia might be a merciful way to end his acting career.