Presumptive Positive Result for Bird Flu at George Washington Birthplace

COLONIAL BEACH, Va. - George Washington Birthplace National Monument officials have been notified of a presumptive positive case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a deceased juvenile bald eagle discovered at the park on January 4. The United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center received the eagle for evaluation, and the virus was detected upon initial testing. Samples were forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmatory testing, and updates will be posted to the park website and through social media channels.

Park officials will continue to monitor the park for sick or dead animals and submit additional specimens for testing, if needed. Visitors are encouraged to report any sightings of sick or dead animals to park employees, especially over the next several weeks.

While bird flu infections in people are uncommon, visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance from all wildlife and not to touch or pick up sick or dead wildlife. In addition, NPS recommends that visitors avoid touching surfaces or materials visibly contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from birds or other animals and washing hands after touching surfaces and prior to eating. Pets are required to be leashed while in the park. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets away from sick or dead wildlife, which can be a source of disease.

The National Park Service relies on the most up-to-date data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who track and report detections of bird flu by state.

More information about preventing Bird Flu infections may be found at the following: Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People | Bird Flu | CDC