Bird Flu concerns: What to know about removing dead birds from your property
Dead geese and other sea bird carcasses have been seen on Long Island's north and south forks.
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The shoreline along the Peconic Bay in South Jamesport looks picturesque, except for the several dead geese on the beach.
The New York State DEC and town officials say bird flu is killing off these water fowl. Viewer video in Southampton shows dozens washed up along the shore.
In Southold, the town environmental analyst says crews have recovered about 30 dead birds from public beaches.
"Mixture of the birds being weak and everything from the harsh winter and then adding the flu on top of that it's definitely taken its toll," said Craig Jobes, Southold's environmental analyst.
Health officials say bird flu poses a low risk to the public, but residents should keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Southold officials say it's the responsibility of the property owner to handle removal on private land.
"Handle the bird properly to make sure that you don't come in contact or your pets don't come in contact with it," said Southold Town Supervisor Albert Krupski.
If you do need to get a dead bird off your property, officials say use a shovel to avoid direct contact, wear gloves and a mask, and triple bag it and place it in a trash can outdoors.
"You can also bury it. The recommendation on burial is to cover with at least 3 feet of material," said Ryan Murphy, with Southampton Town's emergency management.
Southampton officials say the outbreak is impacting wildlife, not poultry farms, and with warmer weather on the way they expect to see fewer and fewer dead birds around ponds, streams, and shorelines.
As News 12 has reported, dead birds have also been found in Nassau, including in Baldwin and Bayville.
