Kevin Witkos
A message from the Farmington Valley Health District We are reaching out with an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, known more commonly as bird flu or H5N1. After a relatively quiet summer, bird flu activity is increasing across the United States and in Connecticut. Three dead black vultures from Hartford County tested positive for bird flu on November 13, 2025, so we know that the virus is circulating in wild birds in this area. We have reached out separately to town Animal Control Officers and Department of Public Works with specific guidance for individuals who work with potentially sick or dead wild birds. We are reaching out to town leaders for assistance in raising awareness among the public that residents should not handle sick or dead wild birds without taking proper precautions at this time due to the risk of bird flu in these animals. We have attached an infographic to this email that we are asking for help circulating, or you can reshare our Facebook post from December 10 on this topic on your town’s social media platforms. It is important to note that the risk of contracting bird flu among the general public remains low. The majority of people who have become ill report direct contact with infected animals, primarily poultry and dairy cows. However, handling potentially infected wild birds, a species known to carry bird flu, does increase risk for exposure.
Thank you ~ First Selectman, Kevin Witkos
Town of Canton