Final lab test results confirm H5N1 — a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as the “bird flu” — was detected in the two birds sent for testing from a flock of dead vultures found in Pierce Township in December.

The risk of bird flu to the public remains low.

Approximately 70 dead black vultures were removed from a private property with more removed later. On Dec. 5, Clermont County Public Health delivered two of the birds to the state laboratory for testing. Preliminary test results indicated a presumptive HPAI diagnosis as the cause of death.

Avian influenza is spread naturally in wild birds, poultry, and other animal species through contact with respiratory droplets and bodily fluids. The current strain, which is known as H5N1, has been found in wild and domestic bird populations since 2022 throughout the country, including Ohio. Transmission of bird flu in wildlife can increase in the spring and fall with bird migration.

People can get sick with bird flu when they encounter infected birds or animals, but this is very rare in the United States.  As a general precaution, people should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid contact with sick or dead animals. Likewise, bird or backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.

 If you encounter sick or dead birds, it is important to Report, Protect Yourself, and Monitor Your Health.

Report

• For sick or dead raptors (such as bald eagles), multiple waterfowl (like geese or ducks), or any other large congregation of sick or dead birds, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
• To report any other sick or dead wild bird, use the ODNR Wildlife Reporting Tool.
• For sick or dead birds in backyard/hobby flocks, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6220 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or after hours at (888) 456-3405.
• For sick or dead birds in commercial poultry flocks, contact the Ohio Poultry Association at (614) 882-6111.

Protect Yourself

If you must handle sick birds or other animals, you should:

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to the greatest extent you can. Wear disposable gloves, a well-fitting face mask (preferably an N95), eye protection like goggles, coveralls, and rubber boots. You can buy these items online or at many retail, hardware, or feed stores.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching birds or sick animals.
• Try to avoid touching the bird’s body. Use a shovel or tool, if possible.
• If local or state officials advise you to dispose of a wild dead bird, double bag the body and throw it away in your regular trash.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or animals or after handling materials that may have been in contact with them.
• Change and wash your clothing after contact with sick birds or animals.

Monitor
If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds, you should monitor your health for 10 days after your last exposure to the birds or their environment. Monitor yourself daily for symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, headaches, body aches, fatigue, or runny/stuffy nose.

If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your local health department for symptom monitoring. Seek medical care and notify your provider of your potential exposure to bird flu.

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website or the Ohio Department of Health’s website.