The Virginia Department of Wildlife Services is asking the public to report possible cases of avian flu after multiple cases were reported in Southwest Virginia.
A case was confirmed positive out of Wythe County, and preliminary positives were found in Washington and Smyth counties. A Danville case is also currently being tested. There have also been several reports from Smyth and Tazewell counties, as well as Lynchburg, that were unable to be tested.
Please contact DWR by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov if you see any of the following:
- Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
- Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
- Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days
If possible, avoid picking up or handling sick or dead birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird, please take the following precautions:
- Wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection
- Bury the birds, or double bag and dispose of them in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes
- Those who are in contact with poultry, have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds
- Keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl
Find more information regarding the avian flu here. If you are concerned you may have contracted avian flu, see here.