Whatever led to the deaths of dozens of birds recently in our area, one thing is now certain… It wasn’t due to bird flu. State wildlife officials say the birds, which were found dead on the Route 17 bridge over Hoskins Creek in Essex County, were not infected with avian influenza. Preliminary test results indicate internal injuries consistent with blunt trauma, likely from birds colliding with the bridge or vehicles at dawn. Some tissue tests are still pending, as authorities continue investigating the unusual mass deaths. Meanwhile, area residents are being urged to report any further wildlife incidents to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
