The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in some bird species in Seneca and Wayne counties.
DEC officials say no HPAI cases have been detected in humans anywhere in the country. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said these recently-reported cases do not present an immediate public health concern, according to Finger Lakes Times.
Related: Bird flu detected in New York
What birds have been infected? Where?
So far, HPAI has been documented in free-range wild birds in the following Finger Lakes counties: Seneca, Wayne, Cayuga, Livingston, and nearby Monroe. Additionally, HPAI has been detected amongst captive captive chickens, pheasants and ducks in Monroe County.
The following wild bird species are confirmed infected: snow geese, Canada geese, tundra swan, mute swan, sandrling, mallard duck, redhead duck, ring-necked duck, wood duck, hooded merganser, great blue heron, bald eagles, great horned owl, snowy owl, cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, fish crow and turkey vulture.
Related: Avian Influenza presents threat to poultry flocks
What safety precautions should be taken?
Despite the risk of human infection being low, the DEC advised people to cook any game meat to 165 degrees in order to kill the virus. If handling wild birds, you should wear a mask, gloves, and eye covering.
You can report suspicious deaths of the above species to the DEC Region 8 office in Avon at (585) 246-2466.
Related: Lollypop Farm takes measures to protect its birds from avian flu
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