New York DEC warns groups of dead birds spotted across Long Island could be positive for avian flu
Officials advise the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
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State officials are warning that groups of dead birds recently spotted across Long Island could be positive for bird flu as more sightings pop up in the area.
Most recently, a viewer sent pictures of a dozen or so dead birds at Milburn Pond in Baldwin.
"It's generally close to my house, so I'd be curious to find out what was happening," one Baldwin resident told News 12.
Viewers have also reported seeing groups of dead birds in Lido Beach, Long Beach, Jamesport, Riverhead and Fire Island.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, there is no way to contain bird flu infections from spreading in wild birds.
The DEC’s Wildlife Health Program is monitoring the spread and impact of HPAI throughout the state and is advising people to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that could be infected.
Kate Perz with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Farm said it's up to the DEC to confirm whether these incidents are confirmed bird flu cases, but noted that the virus is more common at this time of year.
"We do see an increase in cases because birds are migrating in the late fall, early winter, and so we're right in the timeframe when you would expect to see an increase in cases," she said.
Once a report is received, DEC’s field response is guided by the report’s details, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented.
There have been several other recent instances of bird flu on Long Island.
Last month, dead geese at Heckscher Park in Huntington tested positive and last year, Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue nearly had to close after a widespread outbreak.
HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing or disposal, officials said.
You can protect yourself by staying away from groups of dead birds.
Experts advise wearing disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection if you must remove the birds, and to avoid direct contact with the dead birds by using a shovel and washing your hands and clothes immediately.
