About 200 bird flu cases confirmed in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Avian influenza, or bird flu, is rising, and Virginia has found about 200 confirmed cases, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

On Friday, May 23, the department confirmed around 200 cases of bird flu in an email to 8News after originally stating there were 200 cases on April 25. The two cases were tests pending that came back as negative, dropping the total number of cases to 198, according to the department.

The rest of April had two more reports or cases, and May had four, making a total of 204. The department is reminding Virginians that this often includes multiple birds and not just one.

According to the department, the virus doesn't survive well in high temperatures, so they said they are hopeful this is "the last of it for this busy spring wave."

"We are still encouraging the public to treat all bird mortality events as if they are avian influenza related. This means not handling dead birds unless necessary and then, using proper protection and disposing of the carcasses properly." Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

The department urges you to contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov if you or someone you know sees any of the following wild bird occurrences:

• 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 carcasses found on the road
• Ten or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same area within five days

For information on proper protection and disposal, reporting and a list of localities, you are asked to visit the department's website.