Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS ADVISE PUBLIC OF RECENT

WATERBIRD DEATHS ON RHODE ISLAND COAST

 

PROVIDENCE, RI – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are advising the public of recent waterbirds (gulls, cormorants, shearwaters, terns, seabirds, shorebirds) found dead along the Rhode Island coast. A relatively small number of seabirds and other waterbirds washing up dead on beaches is normal this time of year, but in the past several weeks multiple locations along the Atlantic Coast, including Rhode Island, have seen higher than usual numbers.

 

Due to the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), wildlife officials are cautioning the public to remain vigilant and avoid any dead birds found washed up on the shoreline. While risk of HPAI to humans is low, the public is urged not to touch dead birds and to keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses.

 

The cause of these recent dead waterbirds in Rhode Island is not yet known. However, waterbirds in other areas have tested positive in recent months for HPAI. Past seabird and other waterbird mortality events have been attributed to lack of resources, including lack of fish for foraging. In Rhode Island, Block Island has experienced many recent mortalities.

A picture containing outdoor, bird Description automatically generated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo caption: One of 15 dead shearwaters that was found on Second Beach, Middletown, June 16. Michele Gold photo.

 

State, federal, and non-government conservation organizations are collaborating to test a sample of specimens and are continually monitoring beaches. RIDEM, USFWS, and partners will keep the public updated as more information becomes available after specimens are tested.

 

What the public can do:

HPAI continues to be a risk, primarily for domestic poultry. People with poultry/backyard flocks should disinfect shoes/boots before visiting beaches, parks, and refuges. For more information on HPAI including FAQs, click here. If a dead bird is found, you can report the siting to the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife by clicking here.

 

Former President Trump is back in a New York City court for his criminal hush money trial. Jurors again heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who has explained this week how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       The Supreme Court is considering Donald Trump's claim he has presidential immunity in his federal election subversion case. Trump's attorney argued prosecuting a president for official acts "incompatible" with Constitution. The special counsel attorney argued the Constitution does not grant a president absolute immunity.       Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University are facing a deadline to clear out their encampment. They must leave in less than 24 hours or university administrators say they'll be forced to take action. Students want amnesty for any students who may have been arrested or suspended as a result of the protests. The president of Columbia said she hopes discussions with students are successful and calm can be restored to the campus.       Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is having his conviction for sex crimes in New York overturned. The court found the judge in his trial made an error allowing women to testify about alleged sexual assaults committed by Weinstein that were not part of the charges against him. Weinstein was also convicted of rape in Los Angeles and that conviction still stands. The New York court has ruled a new trial must take place.       The parent company of TikTok has no plans to sell the social media platform. In a statement posted on a Chinese media platform it owns, ByteDance denied a report from website The Information that said it's looking at options for a possible sale. Earlier this week, President Biden signed a bill into law that calls for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face being banned in the U.S.       The NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit tonight. The Chicago Bears have the first pick and are widely expected to select University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams. Quarterbacks are also expected to be taken by the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots with the second and third picks.       

Old News Archives