2/26/26 (Photo by Jane T Ahrens)
HPAI once again suspected in area waterfowl deaths
February 18, 2026
By Angela Colangelo
“Surviving February is tough for wildlife, even in mild winters. This year, however, experts say the lasting snow cover is leading to food scarcity among North Fork waterfowl flocks, resulting in starvation and susceptibility to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as HPAI.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation received numerous reports recently of dead or sick waterfowl along Peconic Bay. The NYSDEC collected three Canada geese on Feb. 16 from the Jamesport area to undergo testing for HPAI.
Those results were not available by press time, so there are no confirmed HPAI detections thus far on the North Fork, only in the county. Local experts are still sounding the alarm.”
There have been reports of Bald Eagles eating the dead geese, which may then infect them with HPAI on the North Fork.”
How to Report Sightings on Fishers
To help with monitoring HPAI in waterfowl, the NYSDEC built a reporting tool to be used when multiple dead birds — either the same species or different ones in the same area — are found.
- Dead eagles, call DEC hotline 1-844-332-3267
Staying Safe from HPAI
“Beyond reporting mortalities, according to the NYDEC, the public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. They also said to assume groups of birds found deceased as HPAI positive and to avoid them.
Should removal be necessary, NYSDEC advises use of disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
For more information on keeping other species safe from HPAI, such as song birds and home poultry flocks, see turtlebackconservationcenter.com.” c/o Suffolk Times
