HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) UPDATE

HPAI continues to spread and be a major concern for all avian species in NYS. The DEC has issued updated guidelines for biological controls to help prevent infection and spread of HPAI. Please read the PDF below for details

Suspected bird flu cases can be reported online at bit.ly/DECbirdflu

Please note the following additional HPAI updates and policy changes from around the state. To add information to this post from your organization, please contact editor@nysfa.org.

From Green Chimneys in Putnam County, NY

As Avian Flu continues to spread globally and impact some domestic birds and animals, it is a serious concern among organizations such as Green Chimneys. Due to growing attention at the national level, and increasing incidence of infection in our region, we have decided not to hold our annual Birds of Prey Day this June. The health and welfare of the birds at our Farm & Wildlife Center, and of those belonging to the many falconers who attend the event, is of utmost importance. We thank you for your support.

From The Staff at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital

As of 1/27/25: Unfortunately, we are unable to allow anyone into our hospital entryway at this time. Due to the continued renovations of the rest of our hospital, we have had to rearrange our entryway/waiting room into an intake area for HPAI suspects. This means that we cannot allow rehabbers or members of the public into this space for the foreseeable future - either until HPAI cases decrease, or until we have an alternate area renovated for the triage of HPAI suspects. With this information in mind, please plan accordingly: dress warmly when dropping off or picking up patients during cold weather and allow extra time to return to the warmth of your car to fill out a history form, if needed. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your understanding!

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding avian influenza.

Sincerely,

Cornell University

131 Swanson Drive

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-253-3060

From Seneca Lake Pure Water Association

Dear Seneca Lake Community,

We want to keep you informed about the ongoing Avian Flu situation, as we continue to receive concerns about dead snow geese along the shoreline.

Recently, homeowners in Lakeshore Landing (Romulus) reported an unusually high number of dead snow geese in the area. On January 10, 2025, the DEC collected goose carcasses, which were sent to Cornell University for testing on January 13. The results are now in—confirming that these geese tested positive for Avian Influenza (AI), as suspected

Dead Snow Geese Reported Around Seneca Lake

Since the initial reports of dead geese in Romulus, we have received additional concerns from community members about dead geese in Cottonwood Cove and, most recently, along Kashong Point, where an estimated 50–60 birds have been found along just a few shoreline properties. So far, only snow geese appear to be affected in the reports we have received, but that could change, as Avian Flu can infect other bird species as well. We are in contact with local town officials and the DEC Regional Wildlife Staff to help coordinate the removal of such a large number of birds.

What to Do If You Find Dead Snow Geese

Since Avian Flu spreads through mucus and feces, it’s crucial to avoid contact with birds' eyes, mouth, or droppings.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:

Limit contact with dead wildlife unless absolutely necessary.

Keep pets and children away from deceased birds.

If you must handle a carcass, wear disposable gloves and eye protection (sunglasses are fine). Wash reusable gloves immediately after use.

Double-bag carcasses and dispose of them in your regular trash.

Wash any clothing or surfaces that come into contact with dead wildlife immediately.