Preliminary lab reports indicate bird flu is to blame for a committee of dead vultures found last week in Pierce Township. Around 70 black vultures were found dead on the grounds of St. Bernadette School in Clermont County Dec. 5.

Two birds were taken to a state laboratory for testing. The early test results suggest the birds died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5, otherwise known as the bird flu.

Clermont County Public Health says samples have been sent to a national lab for confirmation. That process is expected to take about 10 days.

The health department says the risk of bird flu to the public is low. While people can contract bird flu from contact with infected birds or animals, that's very rare in the U.S.

If you find a dead or sick bird, you should report it, use

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