Gareth McGrath

USA TODAY NETWORKView Comments

https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2022/12/28/health-warnings-issued-as-bird-flu-rips-through-ncs-wild-flocks/69731308007/

0:49

https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.549.0_en.html#goog_459142249

Visitors to North Carolina’s barrier islands have been warned to stay clear of dead or dying birds that are showing up in larger than normal numbers this winter.

Officials with theCape Lookout National Seashore, a popular stop for migrating and over-wintering shorebirds, said the birds could represent a health threat to humans.

BIRD PARADISEA nesting oasis off Southport is washing away. Here’s what’s being done to save it

“We are unfortunately seeing dead and dying birds at roosting or congregation sites throughout the seashore,” states a Dec. 14 post on thenational seashore’s Facebook page. “Should you come across a dead or dying bird, for your safety, do not touch the bird(s). Leave them in place, take a photo and get a location and report your findings to the park.”

Officials say a certain level of mortality…