Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• Avian Influenza (bird flu) has been found in domestic birds such as chickens, ducks, geese (poultry) and wild birds throughout NY State and now Rockland.
• Avian influenza is caused by a group of viruses that occur naturally in wild birds. One subtype, H5, is spreading worldwide in wild birds and causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. It is also spreading to an increasing number of mammals and caused some rare human infections.
• At this time the risk to the general public is low. Residents should not interact with wild animals, and only engage with domestic birds and livestock while wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

For Humans:

• For the latest on bird flu in the U.S., including regularly updated case counts, visit the CDC’s H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.

For Animals:

• For current reports of HPAI in birds and wildlife, visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

 For Farms and Backyard Flocks

• For sick or dead domestic birds or to report sick/dead birds in your flock, or a sudden drop in egg production, call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at (518) 457-3502, or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

For Wild Birds

• There is no need to report finding a single dead bird. However, if you find more than one dead bird in one place, call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at 718-482-4922 or 518-478-2203. You can also use the link for reporting observations that is available on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage.  (Rockland is in DEC Region 3)

•  Avoid contact with wild animals whether they are alive, healthy, appear sick, or are dead.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds (poultry) or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI infection.
• Do not drink raw milk or consume unpasteurized dairy products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
  • Pasteurization in commercial dairy products uses heat to kill disease-causing bacteria like avian flu, making it safe for consumption. Bird flu is also not a risk to food safety. Poultry and eggs that are safely handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F are safe to eat.

• If you find a dead bird (or other animal) on your property and you choose to remove it:
• Put on gloves, a facemask and eye protection.
• Use a shovel to pick up and place the dead bird in a triple-bagged garbage or contractor bag and discard in an outdoor bin.
• Throw away your gloves and facemask after use.
• Wash your hands and clothing immediately afterwards. (Clothing warn during animal handling should be washed separate from other clothes. Run a cycle of the washing machine on hot with soap in between washing dirty clothes and normal clothes)
• Be aware of any tools that you used and keep them separate from other tools afterwards until they can be cleaned with soap and water.

Protect Your Backyard Flock:

• Watch closely for signs of illness in your flock and minimize your flock’s exposure to wild birds and their droppings.
• The state health department advises limiting outdoor access for poultry at this time.
• For more guidance, go to the USDA Defend the Flock.

Protect Your Pets:

• Do not feed pets raw meat/food or unpasteurized dairy products.
• Do not allow pets to drink raw milk.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds when they are outside.

• If you have a suspected human case of H5N1, please call the DOH at (845) 364-2997.
• CDC Clinician Brief Evaluating and Managing Patients Exposed to Animals or Persons Infected with Novel Influenza A Viruses of Public Health Concern
• NYSDOH HPAI Guidance for Clinicians

• Sick/dead wild birds should be reported to DEC through their reporting form here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/animal-diseases or call the NYSDEC at 718-482-4922 or 518-478-2203. (Rockland is in DEC Region 3)
• Sick/dead domestic birds should be reported to NYS AGM Animal Industry at 518-457-3502.
• Considerations for Veterinarians: Evaluating and Handling of Cats Potentially Exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
• AVMA: Avian Flu

• Centers for Disease Control
• New York State Department of Health
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• New York State Department of Agriculture
• United States Department of Agriculture
• American Veterinary Medical Association