CHARLESTON, S.C. — State wildlife officials have confirmed cases of bird flu in South Carolina after several dead geese and ducks were recovered from a pond in Charleston.
Tests confirmed the birds died from the virus. It’s rare, but officials say the virus can be passed on to your pets and sometimes humans.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is actively tracking avian flu cases in wild bird populations across the state.
Officials noted that the virus occurs naturally in the wild, but cases typically increase during seasonal bird migrations.
“While the risk of transmission to humans is low, SCDNR reminds the public to avoid sick or dead birds and keep pets away from affected infected species,” the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a release.
Anyone who encounters sick or deceased birds in the area is asked to leave the animals alone and contact North Charleston Animal Control.
Currently, there is no cure or treatment for the virus. Officials say an outbreak can last from weeks to months.