Snow geese flock to farm fields during the day, putting local poultry farms and backyard flocks at risk for avian influenza.

Hunters and Wildlife Watchers Encountering Dead or Sick Wild Birds, Especially Snow Geese, Are Advised to Report Location to DNREC

DOVER, Del. (Jan. 22, 2025) – The Delmarva Avian Influenza Joint Information Center announced today that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services are collaborating to collect sick and deceased snow geese and other wild birds that may have succumbed to the outbreak of avian influenza currently spreading throughout the state. The expanded statewide collection effort to help track the bird flu is funded through DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA).

Sick or dead wild animals found in Delaware during the avian influenza outbreak or at any time of year, are to be reported to the DNREC Wildlife Section. Reporting deceased or ill wildlife does not guarantee that DNREC and APHIS Wildlife Services will respond to every report, only that a DNREC or APHIS Wildlife Services representative will assess the report, and if additional information is needed, may make follow-up contact.

State authorities also reiterated that the public should not pick up or handle any sick birds. Dead birds should not be picked up unless disposable plastic gloves are worn to handle them. This guidance also applies to waterfowl hunters – as the DNREC Wildlife Section has been made aware of hunters examining their harvest then moving ducks or geese to a game bag or carrying strap without following recommended precautions for wild birds that might have contracted avian influenza.

•  Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds on private or public property should report their findings immediately to State authorities.
  • Report sightings of sick or dead wild birds through the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s sick, injured or dead wildlife reporting form.
  • If you notice signs of HPAI or experience increased mortality in your backyard flock, notify DDA at poultry.health@delaware.gov.
•  If a resident finds a dead wild bird on their property and wants to remove it themselves, they should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, a mask, and safety glasses, to dispose of it. Double-bag each dead bird found, zip-tie the bag and put it in the trash bin for pickup and disposal at a Delaware Solid Waste Authority landfill. Residents are also advised to carefully remove and dispose of all PPE in the dedicated trash bags and always wash their hands afterward.
•  Additionally, waterfowl hunters are advised to follow more focused protocols from APHIS for handling and field dressing any wild fowl they harvest in Delaware during an avian influenza outbreak.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. Snow geese, which are waterfowl, are known to migrate from the Arctic and form large flocks in Delaware each winter. Due to close contact with thousands of other snow geese while feeding and roosting, they can get sick and die. It is unknown when or where the snow geese may have acquired the virus given their highly migratory nature and association with other waterfowl and waterbirds throughout the Atlantic Flyway through which they travel into Delaware and more southern states.

While the H5N1 virus has infected a small number of people across the U.S., there is no documented transmission of the virus between people in this country. Though the continued testing of people in close contact with animals infected with HPAI indicates a low risk to the general public’s health, children and pets should be kept away from wild birds and bird droppings.

If anyone in contact with wild birds or poultry begins to experience flu-like symptoms, please contact the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 888-295-5156 (after hours) or 302-744-4990 (business hours) for a referral to a DPH clinic to obtain a flu swab test. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea. If symptoms seem severe, including trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, dizziness/confusion, severe muscle pain, seizure, severe weakness or unsteadiness, worsening of chronic medical conditions, or fever or cough that begin to improve and then worsen or return, please dial 911 or visit the emergency department. Let hospital staff and providers know if you have been exposed to poultry or wild birds.

For more information about avian influenza impacting wildlife, visit the DNREC website.

For more information on avian influenza and the State poultry industry, visit de.gov/poultry.

Media Contacts:
All media inquiries related to avian influenza should be directed to the Delmarva Avian Influenza Joint Information Center at JIC@delaware.gov.

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Red Clay Creek/DNREC photo

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Department Secretary Highlights Need for Public Awareness

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control released findings today from DNREC’s comprehensive study on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in surface waters across Delaware. The study, conducted in the fall of 2022, involved the collection and analysis of 83 surface water samples from 33 watersheds throughout the state. The study summarizes and presents analytical results used to evaluate existing concentrations of PFAS and prioritize future actions to address areas of the state most impacted by what have become known as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals found in various industrial and consumer products, are persistent in the environment and human body. DNREC’s research aims to inform and direct resources towards identifying, controlling and remediating the sources of these contaminants. Tracking and eliminating these chemicals’ sources to the environment will have a positive impact on water quality and in maintaining healthy communities in Delaware.

“Understanding the extent of PFAS contamination in Delaware’s surface waters is a critical step toward mitigating the risks associated with these persistent chemicals,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This newest study also underscores the need for public knowledge about the vast and complex issue of PFAS contamination. By providing research and information, DNREC empowers Delaware residents to make informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their families.”

The study was conducted by the DNREC Watershed Approach to Toxics Assessment and Restoration (WATAR) team, comprising experts from several DNREC divisions, including Watershed Stewardship, Waste and Hazardous Substances, and Water. The data summary presented by DNREC WATAR team includes graphical representations that highlight variations in PFAS concentrations and family group distributions. It reveals the presence of PFAS at varying concentrations in every sample collected. This baseline information will help state scientists track surface water PFAS concentration trends in the future.

“Once the data were plotted and viewed together, several obvious anomalies stood out, either due to the magnitude of the concentrations, or to the family group fingerprints,” said John Cargill, hydrologist for the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship.
The data summary report identifies the following water bodies/watersheds as deserving of prioritized follow-up actions:

• Red Clay Creek (New Castle County)
• Hershey Run (New Castle County)
• Long Branch (New Castle County)
• Shellpot Creek (New Castle County)
• Little River (Kent County)
• St. Jones River (Kent County)

“DNREC is already taking actions to determine the extent of potential impacts and to identify potential sources,” said WATAR team hydrologist Todd Keyser. “Additional studies are underway in the northern part of the state and in the Little River watershed, among others.”

Follow-up actions in other watersheds will include resampling to verify the data collected during this study, and review of any data collected nearby during other DNREC studies. If elevated concentrations of PFAS are confirmed, then additional samples will be collected within the affected water bodies, general site areas, or within the broader watersheds.

Additional Delaware-specific PFAS related information, including summaries of ongoing studies and links to completed studies, can be found at de.gov/pfas. An abundance of technical information about PFAS can be found on the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) website. Additional information about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency action related to PFAS can be found on EPA’s website. Additional information about DNREC’s WATAR program can be found at de.gov/watar.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. The DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances ensures Delaware’s wastes are managed to protect human life, health, safety and the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Displaying one of the new life rings at Woodland Beach are Citizens’ Hose Company members Keith Mapps, Fire Chief Chip Thompson, John Morgan, retired State Senator and board member Bruce C. Ennis, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. /DNREC photo.

As summer waterways become more crowded, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control underscores the importance of safety for water enthusiasts in the First State. Today, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company teamed up to highlight recently installed buoyant life rings at DNREC’s Woodland Beach fishing pier and boat ramp.

“Having the familiar circular life preservers close at hand can save a life when someone is in the water and in trouble,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Some of our fishing piers and boat ramps already have these life rings. With the Citizens’ Hose Company and their stalwart member and longtime president, former State Senator Bruce Ennis, we now have these rings available at Woodland Beach.”

Secretary Garvin and Delaware Natural Resources Police officers reiterated critical safety tips for boaters:

• Life Jackets for Children: State law requires children aged 12 and younger to wear life jackets while underway. It’s recommended for everyone on board to wear a life jacket. Those over 12 not wearing a life jacket must have one easily accessible and properly fitted on board.
• Life Jackets for All: Encourage all passengers aged 13 and older to wear life jackets.
• Slow No Wake Zones: Adhere to “Slow No Wake” areas to prevent accidents and damage.
• Maintain Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye and maintain a safe distance from other vessels.
• Navigation Lights: Ensure navigation lights are working during times of low visibility, such as rain and fog, and at night.
• Safety Equipment: Carry a boating education card and required safety equipment appropriate for your vessel size, including a sound-producing device like a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a Type IV throwable (such as a USCG-approved cushion or ring buoy), and navigation lights.
• Canoes, Kayaks and Paddle Boards: These vessels require life jackets on board and a whistle or other sound-producing device. A flashlight is also required if operating during times of low visibility and after sunset.
• Sober Operation: Alcohol use is a leading cause of fatal boating accidents. Always designate a sober operator to helm the boat.

In addition, Delaware mandates a boater safety course for individuals born on or after January 1, 1978. This course, available online, covers navigation rules, boat parts, state boating laws, and required safety equipment. Boaters must carry proof of completion, as it serves as a driver’s license on the water.

Even with safety measures, having life preservers readily available can help ensure a timely response during water rescues.

“As of 2024, this is the 138th year for the all-volunteer Citizens’ Hose Company. Since our founding in 1886, we have responded to water rescues in our area. We know time is everything,” said Senator Ennis. “That’s why Citizens’ Hose partnered with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide these throwable life rings as a vital first response while we are on our way.”

“We at Citizens’ Hose Company strive to provide the citizens of our district, the surrounding communities, and all who visit our community a safe environment,” said Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company Fire Chief Chip Thompson. “These life rings are another example of us providing ‘Service for Others.’ We hope with the installation of these life rings will help a person in the water, from when they are first spotted in the water until the arrival of emergency resources or self-removal. This is a great addition to our district and we know it will make a difference.”

Funded by the Citizens’ Hose Company and installed by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff, the life rings are a crucial step toward enhancing safety on Delaware’s waterways. DNREC encourages all boaters to adhere to these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. More information is available at de.gov/boatsafety.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will treat two downstate ponds over the next two weeks for the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla, notorious for choking waters, crowding out beneficial plant species and depriving anglers and boaters of recreational access. /USFWS photo

With inland water temperatures rising and aquatic plants emerging, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin the annual treatment of downstate public ponds for the foreign invasive aquatic weed hydrilla on Thursday, June 13, weather permitting. Hydrilla is a non-native plant that likely entered the state through the aquarium trade. Uncontrolled hydrilla can choke ponds and other waterways, crowding out beneficial plant species and preventing fishing and boating access.

The two ponds to be treated this year by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife are Wagamons Pond in Milton and Concord Pond near Seaford. Signs will be posted at the boat ramp of each pond on the day of treatment.

Sonar, an aquatic herbicide containing fluridone, will be used to treat the ponds for hydrilla. Registered and approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sonar has been applied in Delaware since the 1980s and proven to be environmentally-compatible and effective for controlling hydrilla. Sonar does not pose a threat to wildlife, including fish, and there no restrictions on fishing or the consumption of fish caught from waters where the treatment has been applied.

The only special restriction is for not using water from the treated ponds for irrigation for 30 days after the date of treatment. Residents and farmers whose properties are along and directly downstream of treated ponds should not use the water to irrigate their gardens, lawns, or agricultural lands during that period to avoid possible damage to their plantings. Landowners with permits to use water from these ponds for irrigation will be directly notified before treatment.

To prevent the spread of hydrilla and other invasive aquatic vegetation throughout the year, anglers and boaters are encouraged to remove all hydrilla and other aquatic plants from their boats, trailers and gear before leaving the boat ramp area from the ponds to be treated.

For more information, contact the DNREC Fisheries section at 302-739-9914.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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Grants, Rebates Can Help Residents Reduce Energy Costs

Delawareans looking for ways to decrease home energy costs will be able to get information on several new and existing programs available through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) at public meetings planned in each of the three counties this month.

DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy is hosting three public information sessions regarding two new home energy rebate programs to be launched later this year that will be funded through the Inflation Reduction Act.

The programs which, once approved by the U.S. Department of Energy, will make up to $66 million available to Delawareans in the form of rebates across a wide range of energy efficiency and electrification measures, such as heat pumps, electric stoves, electric load service upgrades, insulation, air sealing, ventilation and more.

“Energy efficiency measures are a key strategy in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Improving energy efficiency also reduces energy costs, freeing up financial resources for families to use in other areas.”

The programs will target low- to moderate-income populations in disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution. Across both programs, rebates may be as high as $22,000 depending on the measures implemented in both single family and multi-family dwellings.

The meetings will also include resource tables providing information on other existing programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program, Green Energy Program and Energy Efficiency Investment Fund.

The public information meetings will be held:

• Monday, June 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle;
• Tuesday, June 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover;
• Thursday, June 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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