The Garden City Police Dept. announced Tuesday that it had been notified by the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks of multiple cases of avian influenza in Finney County.

Officials are advising residents to avoid a dead bird or other wildlife where the cause of death is unclear, warning that the virus is contagious. They added not to allow children or pets go near.

However, they stressed that if you must remove a dead bird yourself, it is imperative that you wear double gloves and a mask. You should also double bag the bird before placing it in the garbage, and sanitize it when done.

You can also contact the Garden City Police. Animal Control Officers will then confer with Dept. of Wildlife and Parks officials on proper removal.