The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is warning residents to use caution around sick or dead wild birds as bird flu continues to affect wildlife across the state, WRDW Augusta reported. I opened the outlet’s report from November 6, which quotes the agency’s advisory but does not specify which counties have seen the most cases so far this year.
The agency’s alert asks the public not to handle sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away from carcasses. The department did not release a statewide count of confirmed avian influenza cases in wild birds, but the warning suggests the virus is circulating widely enough that officials felt the need to remind residents of the risks.
South Carolina has dealt with highly pathogenic avian influenza in past years, and the pattern this season follows the usual fall migration route, when waterfowl and shorebirds move through the state and can carry the virus long distances. The advisory applies to all wild birds, though waterfowl such as ducks and geese are the most common carriers. Backyard flocks are also vulnerable, and the agency recommends reporting unusual die-offs to local wildlife authorities.
What this means for homeowners
If you find a sick or dead bird on your property, do not touch it with bare hands. The state agency says to keep children and pets away, and to contact your regional Department of Natural Resources office or a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on disposal. Sick birds may appear lethargic, have trouble standing, or show neurological signs like circling.
While the risk to humans remains low according to public health agencies, the virus can spread to domestic poultry and occasionally to mammals. If you keep chickens or ducks, now is the time to review biosecurity steps such as restricting wild bird access to feed and water. If you come across a dead bird, the possums that scavenge in your yard could be exposed too, though possums are generally timid animals that are unlikely to approach a bird while you are nearby. The Department of Natural Resources advisory is the first statewide alert of this season, and WRDW Augusta’s report confirms the agency is monitoring the situation closely.
