Cause could be avian flu
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management (RIDEM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are advising
the public of recent waterbirds (gulls, cormorants, shearwaters, terns,
seabirds, shorebirds) found dead along the Rhode Island coast. 
A relatively
small number of seabirds and other waterbirds washing up dead on beaches is
normal this time of year, but in the past several weeks multiple locations
along the Atlantic Coast, including Rhode Island, have seen higher than usual
numbers.
Due
to the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), wildlife
officials are cautioning the public to remain vigilant and avoid any dead birds
found washed up on the shoreline. While risk of HPAI to humans is low, the
public is urged not to touch dead birds and to keep dogs on leashes and away
from carcasses.
The
cause of these recent dead waterbirds in Rhode Island is not yet known.
However, waterbirds in other areas have tested positive in recent months for
HPAI. Past seabird and other waterbird mortality events have been attributed to
lack of resources, including lack of fish for foraging. In Rhode Island, Block
Island has experienced many recent mortalities.
State, federal, and non-government conservation organizations are collaborating to test a sample of specimens and are continually monitoring beaches. RIDEM, USFWS, and partners will keep the public updated as more information becomes available after specimens are tested.
What
the public can do:
HPAI
continues to be a risk, primarily for domestic poultry. People with
poultry/backyard flocks should disinfect shoes/boots before visiting beaches,
parks, and refuges. For more information on HPAI including FAQs, click here. If
a dead bird is found, you can report the siting to the Rhode Island Division of
Fish & Wildlife by clicking here.
Related
links
Avian
Influenza (HPAI) Resources
Department
or agency: Department
of Environmental Management
Online: http://www.dem.ri.gov/
Release
date: 06-24-2022
