Wild bird deaths linked to avian influenza tend to rise in winter, and state officials say New Yorkers should stay alert in the months ahead.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation warned that highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as HPAI, continues to infect birds and mammals across New York, with cases typically increasing in late fall and peaking during the winter.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC is taking a proactive approach with our coordinated effort to monitor potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. She urged the public to use the agency’s online reporting tool to flag suspected cases.
HPAI spreads mainly through free-flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, but officials say it can also infect domestic poultry, raptors, scavenging birds, and mammals. DEC’s Wildlife Health Program continues to monitor the virus statewide and works with partners to track its spread.
The agency advises residents to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds or mammals. Officials say HPAI cannot be contained in wild birds and often shows symptoms that look like other illnesses or injuries. Infected animals may show breathing problems, lethargy, neurological issues, diarrhea, weakness, or sudden death, while others may show no signs at all.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the risk to people remains low. “New Yorkers can stay safe by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and animals and reporting anything unusual,” he said.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said his department is working with DEC and the Department of Health to respond to outbreaks nationwide. He said testing and import requirements remain in place and urged farmers to follow strong biosecurity practices during migration season.
DEC officials said staff responses depend on the size and location of a mortality event. The agency prioritizes significant die-offs, especially involving waterfowl, gulls, crows, or raptors in counties where the virus has not yet been detected. In most cases, officials say a physical response is not necessary.
When removal of carcasses is needed, DEC advises landowners to use gloves, masks, and eye protection, avoid direct contact, and wash hands and clothing afterward. Officials also discourage transporting suspected infected animals to wildlife rehabilitators to prevent further spread.
HPAI has been present in New York since it was first detected in the state in January 2022. It has since been found in wild birds and mammals across the state, including species such as geese, swans, bald eagles, foxes, raccoons, and bobcats. In November and December, DEC received 69 reports of suspected cases and detected presumptive positives in 10 counties.
Officials say cases may remain elevated through spring as large numbers of ducks and geese migrate through the state.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].