Presumptive positive case of Bird Flu in Schoharie Co.

ESPERANCE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Something strange is happening along the Schoharie Creek in Esperance. Neighbors on Junction Road have complained about dead geese for the past month. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) tells NEWS10 that at least two birds tested there are presumptive positive for Bird Flu.

We saw it ourselves all along the icy waters were bird carcasses. Wendy Weiss has a bird's eye view of the situation, her backyard sits above the creek. She says the DEC came here last month.

“They came and they took two of the Canadian geese and they couldn't reach the others because they were frozen into the ice and they said there was a total of 11 at the time,” said Weiss.

From the start, Weiss suspected bird flu (a.k.a. Avian Flu). Her biggest fear is the disease spreading to other wild animals, including some eagles who live nearby. 

“Two adults and two youth eagles, a family of eagles, we saw them out yesterday feeding on the dead carcasses,” Weiss said.

Avian Flu in humans is rare, but when we get it it’s usually through our eyes, nose or mouth, or inhaled, according to the CDC. The DEC says the public can help fight the disease’s spread by keeping pets away from wild birds.

If the DEC is not available to collect dead birds they recommend staying away from the animals. If you must remove them wear protective gear that shields your eyes, wear gloves and a mask. 

To throw carcasses away use a shovel and wash hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged and brown in an outdoor trash bin. 

"We're going to keep calling the DEC until we get some results about the rest of the dead animals," said Weiss.

The DEC says at this point you should assume any groups of dead birds are positive for bird flu.

THE DEC is awaiting final confirmation from the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Confirmed cases are listed on the USDA website.