Public Safety · Charleston County
Suspected Bird Flu in Canada Goose Die-Off Prompts SC DNR Investigation
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is investigating suspected avian influenza after a die-off of Canada geese in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area. Officials submitted a specimen for testing to confirm whether bird flu caused the deaths, though the approximate number of dead geese was not available. The DNR noted that seasonal migration can increase bird flu circulation among wild birds, and no significant goose deaths have been reported elsewhere in South Carolina. Residents are urged to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds and to keep pets away from affected areas.