DEC Tests Show Local Dead Geese Likely Had Bird Flu
As dead geese continue to wash up on shores along the Peconic Estuary, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed late Monday that goose specimens collected in Jamesport in February “suggest the geese were infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with a non-negative finding. Confirmatory testing at the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory is underway.”
Local government agencies and environmental groups have been warning the public to avoid sick or dead wild birds over the course of the past week.
“The public should strongly consider that groups of birds found deceased are HPAI positive and should follow CDC safety protocols to reduce contact,” according to a DEC spokesperson. “DEC advises the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected with HPAI.”
After reports of large numbers of dead geese washing up on shore in Jamesport emerged in early February, the DEC collected three deceased geese there on Feb. 16 to undergo testing for Highly Pathenogenic Avian Influenza.
Pictured Above: A dead goose along the Peconic Estuary in South Jamesport on March 4. |. photo courtesy Maria Pietromonaco
Members of the public had also reported in mid-February seeing geese swimming aimlessly in circles — a sign of avian influenza — and of seeing bald eagles eating dead geese.
We received several reports from the public of more dead geese in South Jamesport and in New Suffolk last week, and East Hampton Town issued a safety advisory March 4 urging the public to not touch dead wildlife, keep their children and pets away, and report dead birds to the DEC through its avian influenza reporting form.
“Possible cases of avian influenza have been reported on the East End. While experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that the current risk to public health from bird flu is low, it is important to remain cautious,” according to East Hampton Town. “Even rare infections can start with a single contact. Extra care should be taken with pets and domesticated animals, as transmission between species is possible.”
The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays also recommended reporting dead geese and other waterfowl to the DEC on Sunday, March 8, reminding the public to not “handle or transport any sick birds or other wildlife yourself, and urging the public to call 631.728.9453 for assistance, or visit www.wildliferescuecenter.org.
“The snow and ice this winter has created limited open water and grazing areas for our wild birds creating a perfect environment for the spread of the ‘Bird Flu,'” according to the Southampton Town Trustees, who also urged the public to report dead waterfowl to the DEC. “If you see any dead or sick birds, please keep your distance and keep pets away from them. It spreads primarily among birds but can potentially infect humans or pets.”
A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said Monday that the County Health Department has “no information” concerning HPAI in wild birds, and referred our reporter to the DEC’s advice to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown also recently posted a video to social media showing what bird flu might look like in the wild — birds may seem shaky or disoriented they say, and may swim in circles.
The DEC spokesperson says the agency has “received numerous reports of dead or sick waterfowl throughout Long Island, including Nassau and Suffolk counties and along the Peconic Bay.”
“There is no way to contain HPAI infection in wild birds. Waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and scavenging birds are at higher risk of infection, but any species could potentially be infected, including mammals. HPAI-infected birds may be asymptomatic or may exhibit signs of respiratory distress (sneezing or nasal discharge), lethargy, neurologic malfunction (ataxia, stargazing, or seizures), diarrhea, weakness, or sudden death.”
“Once a report is received, DEC’s field response is guided by the report’s details, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented,” according to the DEC. “Of particular interest are reports of suspected outbreaks in all species of waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds such as gulls, loons, and herons.”
“HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal, added the DEC. “The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
