Health officials on Long Island are warning residents not to touch the dead fish that inundated the Peconic River this week.
Newsday says workers removed 10,000 pounds of dead bunker baitfish from the river Wednesday after a massive die-off swamped the waterway and its banks.
Suffolk County health officials say residents should avoid touching the rotting fish. They also warned against swimming or wading in the water near any remaining fish. Officials cited increased risks of bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Anyone who comes in contact with the fish should wash their hands before eating.
Any live fish caught near the die-off should be cooked thoroughly.
It's the second fish kill in the river in two weeks.
Copyright The Associated Press
