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New York monitors Avian Flu as cases merge in wild and domestic birds

Healthy chickens and a duck pose for the camera in Oswego County, NY
Kat Kollins
Healthy chickens and a duck pose for the camera in Oswego County, NY

After the discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Suffolk and Putnam Counties the state is urging those in contact with wild birds to look for signs of illness in domestic animals.

The flu can spread quickly among wild birds and poultry, but there have been no documented human cases in New York.

“At my direction, New York State is continuing to monitor for HPAI and take proactive measures to keep our communities safe. While the risk to public health remains low, I encourage all New Yorkers, especially individuals frequently in contact with poultry and wild birds, to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect our state.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

State health officials urge limited contact with sick or dead animals. Poultry biosecurity resources are able on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.