Earlier this December, school staff at St. Bernadette School in Pierce Township, Ohio, made a shocking discovery: more than 70 dead vultures scattered across the baseball field. Most were near the pitcher’s mound and dugout, and the number of carcasses immediately raised alarms.
Finding that many birds in one place is unusual, and it didn’t take long for officials to suspect something serious.
Because the vultures were found in a large group, state wildlife authorities are treating this as a potential avian influenza (bird flu) case. Two of the birds tested “presumptive positive” for HPAI H5, and lab testing is still underway to confirm the full extent.
State and local officials quickly moved in to safely remove the birds and begin cleanup, emphasizing that this type of die‑off in wild birds is a serious but not uncommon occurrence.
For the general public, the risk of catching bird flu from this event is very low. Still, health officials stress avoiding contact with any dead or sick birds. If handling is unavoidable, gloves, masks, and eye protection are essential.
This is a good reminder: even though most bird‑flu cases are associated with poultry farms, wild birds can carry and spread the virus too.
This isn’t just “wildlife news.” For schools, businesses, and facilities with outdoor areas, sudden bird die‑offs like this are a wake‑up call.
Monitor outdoor spaces: Keep an eye on large bird populations near buildings.
Limit exposure: Don’t allow staff or visitors to touch or disturb sick or dead birds.
Plan for cleanup: Have a procedure for safely removing birds if a die‑off occurs.
Integrate bird control into safety plans: Preventing roosting in high‑traffic areas can protect property and health.
Even a seemingly remote event like vultures dying on a school field can have real implications for property managers, EHS teams, and anyone responsible for facility safety.
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