Human Cases:
Avian influenza (bird flu) Type A viruses do not normally infect people, but rare cases of human infection have occurred. Illnesses in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness (eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms) to severe disease (pneumonia) that resulted in death.
Human infections with avian influenza viruses have most often occurred after close or lengthy unprotected contact with infected birds or places that sick birds or their saliva, mucous and feces have touched. Very rarely, human infections with avian influenza viruses have happened through an intermediary animal, including a cat and a cow.
Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or possibly when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose.
At this time, the risk to the general public from Avian Influenza is low. The spread of avian influenza viruses from one infected person to a close contact is very rare, and when it has happened, it has not led to continued spread among people.
For the latest on bird flu in the U.S., including regularly updated case counts, visit the CDC’s H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.
Cases in Birds and Mammals:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in poultry and wild birds in Westchester County and throughout the United States. It has also been detected in dairy cattle and in other mammals.
For current reports of HPAI in birds and wildlife, visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Report groups of sick or dead birds immediately:
- For poultry, call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502 or the USDA at 866-536-7593 to report sick birds in your flock, an unexplained high number of deaths, or a sudden drop in egg production.
- For wild birds, call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at 718-482-4922 or 518-478-2203. You can also use the link for reporting observations that is available on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage.
If you find a dead bird on your property:
- Put on gloves, a facemask and eye protection.
- Use a shovel to pick up and place the dead bird in a triple-bagged garbage or contractor bag and discard in an outdoor bin.
- Throw away your gloves and facemask after use.
- Wash your hands and clothing immediately afterwards.
Protect yourself from infection:
- Avoid contact with birds that appear sick or have died.
- If you must have direct/close contact with wild birds, sick or dead poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza even if they don't look sick.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI infection.
- Take precautions to protect yourself during and after spending time in areas with geese and other wild bird droppings.
- Do not drink raw milk or consume unpasteurized dairy products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
Pasteurization in commercial dairy products uses heat to kill disease-causing bacteria like avian flu, making it safe for consumption. Bird flu is also not a risk to food safety. Poultry and eggs that are safely handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F are safe to eat.
Protect your backyard flock:
- Watch closely for signs of illness in your flock and minimize your flock’s exposure to wild birds and their droppings.
- The state health department advises limiting outdoor access for poultry at this time.
- For more guidance, go to the USDA Defend the Flock
Protect your pets:
- Do not feed pets raw meat/food or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Do not allow pets to drink raw milk.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead birds when they are outside.
Avian Influenza Resources:
Centers for Disease Control
New York State Department of Health
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
American Veterinary Medical Association