RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is on high alert after receiving multiple reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state, including several counties in southwest Virginia.
Preliminary testing indicates that the probable cause of death is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, the department announced. While HPAI activity has been mainly concentrated in vultures, migration will likely cause mortalities in other bird species as well.
DWR is asking the public to inform the department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov, if they see any of the following:
- Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days.
- Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, turkeys, excluding ones found on the road.
- Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days.
The public is also advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. However, if you do need to dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, the department added.
If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, DWR encourages you to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. Also, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl.
Since July 2025, Virginia has had 12 reports of suspected HPAI in wild birds in multiple counties. More than half of those reports have come in during this month.
