With the spread of bird flu and rising reports of dead birds being found across Suffolk County, County Executive Ed Romaine has urged people to use caution if they encounter dead birds.
In a press release issued on Monday, March 3, Romaine urged residents to follow the guidance of the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In cases where field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the DEC has requested that people limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away.
To dispose of a dead bird safely, DEC has provided the following guidelines:
• Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
• Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
• Carcasses should be triple-bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
• Remove and throw away your gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
• Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
• If you use a shovel, clean it with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach added to a gallon of water).
For additional information or to make a report, call the DEC at 844-332-3267.
Staff Writer on Mar 4, 2025