Avian flu has been making headlines again, particularly along Long Island shores. If you come across a dead or sick bird, do not touch it.
INSTEAD:
Report it: Contact the Fishers Island Conservancy nature@ficonservancy.org
Avoid contact: Keep pets and children away
Document (if safe to do so): Photos can help experts assess the situation
Protecting our wildlife starts with awareness—thank you for helping keep our island’s birds safe!
Officials Warn Public To Use Caution concerning Deceased Birds
March 3, 2025
By Lisa Flinn
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Health Department officials have issued a warning, urging that residents use caution in handling deceased birds.
There have been reports of deceased birds being found across the county, officials said. To that end, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued guidance for those who encounter dead birds on their property.
In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, residents are asked to limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away.
“The risk to public health is minimal, as the virus at this point is not transmissible among humans. A full investigation is underway because there is some potential for transmission of the H5N1 bird flu from the infected birds to individual farm workers, who had high-risk exposures,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner.
H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in wild birds and poultry in New York since 2022. Since March 2024, the USDA has confirmed that cows on dairy farms in multiple states have tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The virus has been found in raw (unpasteurized) milk and secretions from the noses of cows on these farms.
To date, there have been no human cases of avian influenza and no detections in cattle in New York.
The announcement prompted reminders for commercial and hobby poultry farmers to increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the H5N1virus.
To learn more about biosecurity measures, click here.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced New York State’s ongoing proactive measures to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza and facilitate early detection, particularly on New York farms.
