Protect Your Flock from Avian Flu

Please be aware that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in poultry and wild birds in Suffolk County as well as in other areas of NYS and the region. This strain of HPAI can infect chickens, turkeys, game birds, ratites (e.g., emus) waterfowl, and a wide variety of wild birds including waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), raptors (e.g., eagles, hawks, owls, vultures), and corvids (e.g., crows). Recent reports indicate that the current strain, H5N1, is also causing outbreaks in other mammals, wildlife, and dairy cows. There have been several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers, though no person-to-person spread has been reported.All farms, from small backyard hobby producers to large commercial operations, should take extra steps to prevent their birds, animals, and staff from becoming infected.Visitors to farms are also encouraged to exercise caution to help prevent the spread of HPAI.

All poultry producers, from small backyard hobby producers to large commercial operations, are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their flocks and to report unexplained bird deaths. Visitors to farms are also encouraged to exercise caution to help prevent the spread of HPAI between farms and flocks. This virus is not known to present a public health concern.

To report unexplained high number of bird deaths, please contact the NYS Department of Ag & Markets Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

Unusual illness and deaths of wild birds can be reported to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, (631) 444-0310.

For more information resources are available from Centers of Disease Control and Educational Resources on H5N1. Additional information and resources can be found in the links found to the left or below (the location of links depend on your device and/or screen size). Additional resources can be found below.

To report unexplained high number of bird deaths, please contact the NYS Department of Ag & Markets Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

Unusual illness and deaths of wild birds can be reported to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, (631) 444-0310.

Last updated January 21, 2025