CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (7News) — The Charles County Department of Health said several dead vultures found in the La Plata, Md., area have tested presumptively positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Preliminary results came back Friday, Sept. 12, and health officials said they are waiting for confirmatory results, but stress the risk to the public is low. Residents are urged not to handle sick or dead birds.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads quickly among birds through secretions and droppings. It can spread between wild birds and domestic poultry through direct contact, contaminated equipment, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers…