Dead birds recently washing up along Ohio’s waterways have some on social media wondering what’s going on and if bird flu is the cause.
A Reddit user on Feb. 16 posted photos of dead birds, mostly Canada geese, at Lock 3 of the Ohio & Erie Canal in downtown Akron. “[D]o these get removed and does anyone know why this would happen in such large quantities?” the user asks.
Elsewhere on social media, Facebook users in Ohio and surrounding states are sharing more discoveries of dead birds. (Warning: the link contains photos of dead animals.)
WKBN TV-27 in Youngstown reported on Feb. 16 that another four Canada geese were found dead at Perkins Park in Warren. And back in December, more than 70 vultures were found dead at an Ohio school, WLWT TV-5 reports.
So why are so many birds dying? Some fear it is the return of a highly contagious disease that also can infect humans. Here’s what to know.
Expert points to return of avian influenza, or bird flu
Heather Merritt, director of the Birds in Flight Sanctuary in Canfield, Ohio, told WKBN that bird flu is to blame.
“It’s avian influenza, which is a highly pathogenic, very contagious virus that the birds are carrying, and people need to stay away from them and keep their pets away from them,” she told the station.
Merritt said cases are picking up because of the recent thaw. The deep freeze cut off water sources for birds. Since the temperatures have been rising, birds are congregating at the openings in the ice to drink, spreading the virus.
Bird flu found in Ohio birds in 2026
So far in 2026, Ohio has had a dozen reports of dead animals, 11 for birds and 1 for bats, according to the Wildlife Health Information Sharing Partnership (WHISPers), a product of the U.S. Geological Survey. Many of the dead birds were carrying avian influenza.
Reports include:
Avian influenza symptoms in birds
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, symptoms of avian influenza in domestic and wild birds include:
What to do if you see dead birds
Merritt of the Canfield bird sanctuary advises people and pets stay away from dead birds to avoid possible exposure to bird flu.
If you must dispose of dead birds, she advises to wear gloves and a mask. Double-bag the dead bird and throw it in the trash, she tells WKBN.
ODNR asks people to report sightings of dead birds in groups of six or more.
Can humans get sick from bird flu?
Yes, but the public health risk from bird flu remains low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been 71 human bird flu cases since 2024, including one in Ohio, per CDC data, and two deaths.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Dead birds washing up in Ohio waterways. Is it avian influenza?
Reporting by Chad Murphy, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
