Health and wildlife officials are currently investigating a distressing discovery at St. Bernadette School in Ohio where over 70 vultures were found dead on the campus. The incident was reported after students returned from Thanksgiving break on December 1, 2025. The authorities suspect that the cause of this significant bird mortality is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dead-Vultures-Found-120625-4-cde33193bb014763b47a81bf7f619f93.jpg)
Located approximately 20 miles outside Cincinnati, the campus of St. Bernadette School in Pierce Township became the site of a concerning incident following the discovery of more than 70 deceased birds. Pierce Township Fire Chief Craig Wright has indicated that the likely cause of these deaths is bird flu, although official confirmation is pending. The grim scene was first captured in photos on Monday, December 1, with the deceased birds still present on the campus as of Friday, December 5.
The lifeless bodies of the vultures were found strewn around the school’s baseball fields, raising alarm among the school community and local authorities. Clermont County Public Health revealed via a Facebook statement that they had dispatched the remains of two birds for laboratory testing on December 5 to ascertain the cause of death. Specifically, health officials are keen to determine if the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was a contributing factor to the mass bird deaths.
Efforts to address the situation have been set in motion as fire officials have engaged the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for assistance. However, as of the report, the collection of the deceased birds had yet to be fulfilled. Authorities have urged the public to steer clear of the affected area until the birds have been safely removed. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources shared with local news outlet WLWT that while the suspected cause is HPAI, further samples are undergoing testing due to the unique circumstances of the case.
Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that poses a significant threat to domestic animals, wildlife, and, in some cases, human health, as outlined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Although the risk of bird flu transmission to humans is deemed low by health experts, caution is advised when interacting with wild birds. Precautionary measures include refraining from handling sick or deceased wildlife and maintaining good hygiene practices.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture spokesperson, Karina Cheung, emphasised that clusters of six or more dead birds are considered presumptive positives for HPAI and are treated accordingly. According to the FWS, hunters are urged to avoid handling or consuming sick game and to abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking while in contact with animals. Despite the associated risks, health officials reassure the public that the likelihood of transmission is minimal unless significant exposure occurs.
This troubling incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and vigilance in monitoring outbreaks that could impact both animal and human populations. The collaborative efforts of health and wildlife officials are crucial in investigating and containing such incidents to mitigate potential threats to public health and ecological balance.