Regional Health Department Sounds The Bird Flu Alarm

CANTON, CT — A regional Canton-based health department serving several area towns has sounded the alarm on bird flu, and it is urging residents to be vigilant.

The Farmington Valley Health District last week issued an alert on the issue, and it asked residents of member towns to be on the lookout for any dead birds and stay away from them.

The FVHD is the health department for the towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Simsbury, Granby, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, East Granby, Hartland, and New Hartford.

"Due to the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild bird populations, mainly affecting waterfowl and raptors, people are advised not to touch or pick up any birds they believe to be sick," wrote the FVHD last week.

"Most wildlife rehabilitators are currently not taking in sick or injured birds.:

If you see several dead birds (more than five) in one location or notice that several birds die in the same area over the course of several days, this is a situation where testing of the dead birds may be warranted.

If you observe this type of die-off, call the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011. Sick or dead domestic birds – mainly poultry - should be reported to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505. For information on what to do if you find a sick or dead wild bird that must be moved, follow guidance from the DEEP: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/avian-influenza.

For more information on the Farmington Valley Health District, 95 River Road, Canton, click on this link.