Wildlife officials suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused the deaths of numerous vultures found deceased in a wooded area in Rocky Mount.
The birds were discovered on Tuesday, December 3, in a wooded lot on the corner of Dent Street and Franklin Street. Some of the deceased vultures were found in a creek bed. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) sent test samples to the University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study for examination. DWR will share the preliminary results of those tests once completed. Positive test results will be sent to the National Veterinary Services laboratories for confirmation.