Over the past several weeks, the City of Mentor Natural Resources Division has received inquiries related to dead waterfowl in our city. These deaths are generally attributed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as the bird flu, which spreads naturally in wild aquatic birds, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds, and wild waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans.
Bird flu can infect other animals as well as household pets. Both cats and dogs can contract bird flu. Cats are more likely to experience severe illness or death. Residents are advised to keep their cats and dogs away from all dead or sick birds.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Do not drink raw or unpasteurized milk
- Avoid direct contact with wild birds
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead poultry or animals.
- People are thought to be contagious for the first few days of their illness, so avoid people who you know are sick with Bird Flu.
If you must handle wildlife, farm, and/or domesticated animals on your property, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or sick animals.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with birds or animals or after handling materials that may have been in contact with them.
- Change your clothes before handling healthy birds and animals after you have handled sick ones.
The public is reminded that there is a low risk of getting sick with bird flu for most people. Infections are possible, but rare, with most reported infections in people occurring after unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. There have been no cases of human-to-human transmission in the United States.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is monitoring all reports of dead wild birds in the state and has sent several samples collected in Ohio for testing to confirm. In December 2024 the Division of Wildlife shared that HPAI is suspected in several counties in Ohio. They also provided information about best practices if people come into contact with a dead wild bird. The Division of Wildlife asks people to call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) and report sightings of dead birds in groups of more than six.
If you see dead birds in public parks, along roadways, or in other public areas, contact the Public Works Department at (440) 974-5781 so that they may be removed and properly disposed of. If you have a dead bird on your property, contact our Natural Resources Division at (440) 974-5717 for guidance on how to safely dispose of it. The Division of Wildlife asks people to call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) and report sightings of dead birds in groups of more than six.
Additional information is available from the Lake County General Health District: