Suffolk County officials urge caution when handling deceased birds

There have been reports of deceased birds being found across the county. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends the following guidance if you encounter this situation on your property.

In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, please limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away. To dispose of a dead bird safely, DEC provides the following guide:

• Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
• Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
• Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
• Remove and throw away your gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
• Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
• If you use a shovel, clean it with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach added to a gallon of water).

For additional information or to make a report, please call the DEC at 844-332-3267.