NYS DEC warns New Yorkers to beware of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The New York State DEC is warning residents statewide to be mindful of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that continues to infect birds and other mammals across the U.S. and Canada.
HPAI is carried by free-flying waterfowl and other water-birds, such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, but can also infect domestic poultry, raptors, corvids, and mammals, DEC Biologists say.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC is taking a proactive approach with our coordinated effort to monitor potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
“We have a great web-based tool for the public to use to report any signs the viral disease is spreading to different areas of the state.”
Though various types of birds are more susceptible for infection, the illness could potentially pass on to other species, including mammals.
This is why the DEC strongly advises against any direct contact with any sick looking or dead birds and any discovered carcasses.
“The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Conservation are working together to ensure an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive approach in response to outbreaks of HPAI across the nation," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
"Our department’s proactive efforts to prevent the spread of HPAI, including implementing testing and import requirements for dairy cattle, remain in place. In addition, as we are in the midst of the migratory season, we encourage vigilance and remind our farmers to take precautionary measures with strong biosecurity practices on the farm.”
To clarify, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public. HPAI H5N1 has been detected in more than 70 humans in the U.S., including two mortalities; as most of these cases involved close contact with infected domestic birds or cows.
DEC advises landowners to use disposable gloves, a mask, a shovel and eye protection when disposing of a carcass.
NYS DEC image.
