ODNR: Don’t Handle Sick or Dead Wildlife

Do not touch wild birds, especially if sick or dead, and never pick up feathers. That warning from officials follows reports of dead fowl in multiple counties, such as Stark, Richland, and Huron.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife confirms that over the past few weeks, geese, swans, and a mallard have been reported dead. Testing is underway to determine if there is a presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The HPAI virus poses a low risk to the general public, but individuals are advised not to handle sick or dead birds. If encountering a lifeless or sick bird, and there is a suspicion it could have the virus, contact ODNR at www.wildohio.gov.

Certain birds are more vulnerable, such as raptors, waterfowl, chickens, and turkeys. The virus is transmitted from bird to bird through feeding and interactions. For more information, go to www.aphis.usda.gov.