
Avian influenza has been found in Kent & Sussex counties. Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges recently posted the following on their Facebook page: "Refuge staff are monitoring for sick and dead birds at both Prime Hook and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuges. Please do not touch, handle or remove any sick or dead birds from the refuges, and instead note the location and call the DNREC Wildlife Section at 1-302-739-9912 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Report sightings after hours, weekends, and holidays, through the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s sick and injured wildlife reporting form." Check Delaware.gov news for updates.
A Jan. 6 Delaware News Journal article reports this advice from the DE Dept. of Agriculture: "[You] can continue filling your bird feeders– unless you also keep chickens or live near some." The article also advises that backyard birders should clean and disinfect birdfeeders once a month, change bird bath water every two or three days, don't touch wild birds, and always wash your hands after handling bird feeders and baths."If you find a dead bird, wear gloves, a mask and safety glasses to handle it," the DE Dept. of Agriculture recommends. "Double-bag the bird and secure the bags with a zip tie before putting it in a trash can." If you see a sick bird, call the DNREC number above.