Avian flu update: What to do if you find multiple dead ducks or geese?

May 6th. So far this year, the NCWRC has confirmed that 24 wild birds in North Carolina, including Mecklenburg, have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

These include a variety of waterfowl and raptor species, including the American Green Duck, American White Pelican, American Wigeon, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mountain Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck and Black Vulture.

Lake Norman is home to a variety of waterfowl, including mallards, wood ducks, teals and other ducks, as well as Canada and other geese. Wading birds, including great blue herons, green-backed herons and egrets, can be found along the lake’s shallows in summer.

If you find dead wild birds, especially five or more dead birds within a week, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 1-866-318-2401, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email [email protected].

These HPAI detections occurred in counties across the state, including Beaufort, Buncombe, Carteret, Dare, Hyde, Mecklenburg, Pamlico and Wayne.