Dead birds washing up along Seneca Lake tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, according to RochesterFirst. Officials say melting ice and warmer temperatures recently pushed several carcasses onto the shoreline, prompting reports from residents.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent the birds to Cornell University for testing, which confirmed the virus. Officials say migrating waterbirds often carry avian influenza, with cases typically peaking in late fall and winter.
The virus can cause breathing problems, weakness, neurological issues, diarrhea, or sudden death in infected animals. Officials urge the public to avoid sick or dead wildlife and report clusters of dead birds.
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].