Dozens of dead vultures that were likely infected with bird flu were found on the grounds of an Ohio school recently.<\/p>\n
The 72 birds were discovered in late November on the athletic fields of Saint Bernadette School in Pierce Township. According to the New York Times,<\/a> the school has about 200 students in grades K-8.<\/p>\n Clermont County Public Health reported that lab testing on two of the vultures showed that they had died from HPAI or bird flu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional testing is being done on the other birds, which are presumed to also be infected with bird flu. <\/p>\n While some people have contracted bird flu<\/a>, Ohio health officials said the risk to the public is low. <\/p>\n \u201cAs a general precaution, people should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid contact with sick or dead animals,\u201d Clermont County Public Health said in a news release. \u201cLikewise, bird owners or people who have backyard flocks should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.\u201d <\/p>\n The New York Times reported that when asked by the township, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources initially refused to help remove and test the dead birds. They eventually became involved once Pierce Township officials complained to a local television station.<\/a><\/p>\n