Avian flu poses low threat to New Yorkers, officials say

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The current strain of avian influenza, H5N1, poses only a low risk to humans and doesn't spread from person to person, according to public safety officials. Although no cases of bird flu were detected in humans or livestock within the state so far, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) said that it stands ready to conduct widespread testing if needed.

Avian flu has circulated in nature for years, with cases documented in five birds—a snowy owl, a Cooper’s hawk, a peregrine falcon, and two snow geese—in New York since November 2024. Besides birds, the virus was also diagnosed in foxes, skunks, bobcats, opossums, and raccoons since 2022.

Experts believe the virus can cause severe illness in some animals but rarely infects humans, with most cases linked to close contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. Even so, officials have warned farmers, hunters, and the public not to touch sick or dead birds.

Farmers should keep poultry and livestock away from wild birds and disinfect any equipment that could carry the virus. Farmworkers should wash their hands frequently, wear protective gear like gloves and masks, and avoid consuming raw milk.

And hunters should wear gloves when handling game, and never harvest sick animals. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said that New Yorkers should report groups of sick or dead animals to your local, regional DEC office.

Contact the Department of Agriculture and Markets at (518) 457-3502 to report poultry that you suspect is infected. For wild birds, contact (518) 478-2203.

Anyone working with an infected animal should monitor for flu-like symptoms—like fever, cough, or fatigue—for 10 days after exposure. Reported any suspected illness to local health officials immediately.

Health officials have also recommended seasonal flu shots. Although they don't prevent bird flu, they lower the odds that human and avian strains combine to create a more transmissible flu virus.

According to a DOH spokesperson, "Epidemiologists and laboratory scientists have been closely monitoring global, national and local information and disease trends for indications of public health risks to humans." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised vigilance, but they maintain that the public risk of H5N1 is low.