Bird Flu Kills Almost All Chickens, Ducks On A Hudson Valley Farm – Patch
ULSTER COUNTY, NY — Bird flu has wiped out all but two of the birds at a Hudson Valley farm, according to health officials. The Ulster County Department of Health said that it was notified of a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1, or “bird flu,” at a farm that was home to around 50 chickens and ducks.All of the birds on the unnamed farm, except for two, died from the virus. However, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets recommended that the remaining two birds be euthanized in order to prevent further spread of the virus. Health department officials say that human contact with the birds was limited to just the owners and a veterinarian. They will remain under surveillance by a county public health nurse for any symptoms over the next 10 days. An outbreak of avian influenza began in the U.S. in early 2024 and has mostly affected wild birds, farmed birds, and dairy cows. Contact with an infected bird puts people at risk of exposure. Those at the highest risk are workers on dairy/poultry farms and in culling operations.”People working with poultry should consider wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in close proximity to the birds,” Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter said. “All residents should avoid handling a wild or domestic sick or dead bird. The Ulster County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza. If you or someone you know has questions or is concerned about a potential exposure, please call an Ulster County Department of Health communicable disease nurse at 845-340-3070.”Those who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered to be at low risk for bird flu. There is currently a nationwide surveillance of milk in place, and so far, no known human case has been identified in NYS. There are also no known cases involving domestic pets, but it is recommended to keep pets away from dead birds or animals as much as possible. Any birds with severe illness or die-offs in backyard poultry should be reported to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502, or a local veterinarian.Dead wild birds should be reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, here. SEE ALSO: Wild Goose Positive For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza LocallyGet more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
