What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza (flu) is a common illness in birds. Sometimes, however, the illness can spread to people or other animals and make them sick. Avian influenza is also called bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and H5N1.
What is Public Health currently doing to address this?
Currently, public health agencies are monitoring the situation locally and nationally. Most cases are being seen in wild birds, poultry flocks, and dairy cattle.
There have not been many human cases at this point, and the risk to the general public is currently considered low. So far, recent human cases of avian influenza have been linked back to an exposure to an infected animal. For example, a worker being exposed to sick or dead poultry on a farm. Currently, there are no known cases of H5N1 in humans in New York.
No known person-to-person spread has occurred with the current avian influenza (H5N1) viruses that are circulating in birds in the United States and globally.
For updates on the situation, view the resources below.
What should I do if I find a sick bird or other wildlife? What if the wildlife is dead?
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and USDA APHIS Wildlife Services program are responsible for conducting surveillance and testing among wild birds.
If you find dead wild birds, especially multiple species or individuals in one place, please report it using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting form. You can also call (607) 622-8274 to reach the NYSDEC Region 8 Office in Bath. Please note that the DEC will not retrieve and test all reported birds and other wildlife.
If you find dead wild birds, please limit your contact with the dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If you need to remove it, be sure to:
- Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
- Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water.
- The carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
What about sick or deceased domestic birds like chickens, turkeys, or ducks?
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) conducts surveillance for avian influenza in sick domestic poultry in New York. You can report ill poultry to NYSDAM at (518) 457-3502.
Learn more about avian influenza:
- Situation updates from:
- Additional guidance on reporting of dead wild animals, including birds, can be found on the following DEC webpages: