DEC launches online form for reporting bird flu
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new online form for reporting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as HPAI, H5N1 or bird flu. The platform announcement on Thursday comes as New York officials and agencies monitor bird flu cases around the state.
With the form, New Yorkers can report any suspected cases of bird flu in wild birds and mammals. Once the DEC receives the report, their response will vary depending on the specific details of the case, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species and other documented cases around the area.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC is working closely with our State agency and federal partners to monitor incidence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza affecting wild birds and the threat it can pose for domestic animals,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.
The department is especially interested in reports of suspected outbreaks in all species of waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds and other waterbirds like gulls and herons. Known as "HPAI vectors," according to the DEC, these species are particularly vulnerable to bird flu and can help the department track bird flu prevalence in the area.
“We continue to remain vigilant and monitor for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds in New York State," State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a press release. "This new web-based tool allows for rapid response to reports of sick birds, further protecting public health."
The United States and Canada have continued to see bird flu infect bird and mammal populations. The first detection of the disease in New York came in February 2022 in a backyard poultry flock in Suffolk County.
Since then, bird flu has been reported in free-ranging wild birds and wild mammals throughout the state. Just on Wednesday, the Ulster County Health Department confirmed a positive case at a local farm that killed 48 of its 50 ducks and chickens.
Typical bird flu symptoms in animals include diarrhea, discharge from the nose, coughing and sneezing, and incoordination. Many birds may show no symptoms before death.
Because bird flu is so widespread in wildlife, not all reports will result in the department retrieving and testing the reportedly infected animal, the department said. Officials recommend that the public limit contact with dead wildlife and also keep domestic animals away.
If the removal of a wildlife carcass is necessary, you should avoid direct contact and wear disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Wash your hands and clothes immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple-bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash container.
"Early detection of HPAI is key to preventing its spread. DEC’s new reporting tool will help us understand how HPAI is impacting wild birds, so we can find it quickly and take further action to keep it contained," said State Agricultural Commissioner Richard Ball. "I encourage New Yorkers to keep an eye out for sick or dead wild birds and use this tool to assist in New York State’s joint response."
According to the DEC and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bird flu currently poses low risk to the general public. However, those who work with close or prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds or virus-contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.
The link for the report form can be found on the DEC website. You may also contact the Division of Animal Industry by calling (518) 457-3502 or emailing dai@agriculture.ny.gov.