ALBANY – The State Department of Environmental Conservation is advising people who come across dead crows to avoid handling them.
DEC was initially notified about a number of dead crows found in the Schutt Road area of the Town of Wallkill on January 9.
Wildlife staff went to the site, collected several crows and submitted them to the DEC Wildlife Pathology unit. Results to determine the cause of death are pending.
The state agency said at this time it is safe to assume the vast majority of the dead crows involved died of the same cause. Crows are susceptible to avian reoviruses which can spread rapidly and cause significant mortality in communal roost settlements like this one.
While results of the pathology analysis are awaited, the DEC said it is best if people avoid handling any dead birds or other wildlife they come across. If there is a need to handle dead crows or other wildlife for removal, be sure to take precautions including pick up any dead birds with a shovel or other object that can be disinfected with a 10 percent bleach solution’ wear gloves while working and make sure to wash your hands with warm, soapy water afterwards; and carry hand sanitizer in case hand washing is not an option at that time.
