Bird flu infects Ulster County poultry farm

Jan 30

Written By HVNY

A positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1, or “bird flu,” has been detected a poultry farm in Ulster County that housed approximately 50 chickens and ducks. All but two birds on the farm died as a result of the virus. The two remaining birds were euthanized in order to prevent further spread.

Ulster County officials say human contact with the birds was limited to the owners and a veterinarian, who will remain under surveillance by an Ulster County Department of Health public health nurse for symptoms over the next 10 days.

Officials have not disclosed the location of the farm, or general region of Ulster County it is located.

“People working with poultry should consider wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in close proximity to the birds,” said Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter. “All residents should avoid handling a wild or domestic sick or dead bird. The Ulster County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza. If you or someone you know has questions or is concerned about a potential exposure, please call an Ulster County Department of Health communicable disease nurse at 845-340-3070.”

According to officials: Individuals who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for avian influenza. National surveillance of milk is currently in place, and to date, no known human case has been identified in New York State. There are also no known cases involving domestic pets, but itʼs advisable to keep pets away from dead birds or animals to the extent possible.

Bird flu detected at Putnam County wildlife center

Earlier this week, a wild goose carcass found in Putnam County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1 or “bird flu.”

According to the Putnam County Department of Health, The Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster found a deceased wild goose on site at the end of December.

Several additional deceased waterfowl have also been located at the site, both wild and domestic, according to the county health department. Full test results are pending.

“Currently, one wild goose has been confirmed positive and tests are still pending for several birds from Green Chimneys,” Putnam County Department of Health Epidemiologist, Alison Kaufman, DVM, MPH says. “We are working closely with Green Chimneys to monitor any staff with potential exposures to sick animals and recommend strategies to mitigate risks for further exposures.”

Green Chimneys, a non-profit organization with a 200-acre farm and wildlife center in Brewster and 350-acre campus in Carmel, is recognized as a “worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs.” According to its website, the site is “home to over 300 farm animals, horses and unreleasable wildlife.”

The county health department added that “humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for exposure to avian influenza.”

The general public is reminded not to touch sick or dead birds, wild or domestic. Incidences of severe illness or die offs in backyard poultry should be reported to The U.S. Department of Agriculture at 1-866-536-7593 or a local veterinarian, while any dead wild birds should be reported to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/reporting-dead-wildlife.

According to the CDC, while there is no evidence that anyone in the United States has gotten infected with avian influenza A viruses after eating properly handled and cooked poultry products, uncooked poultry and poultry products (like blood) could have been the source of a small number of avian influenza A virus infections in people in Southeast Asia.

Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. People should separate uncooked (raw) poultry from cooked foods and foods that won't be cooked. Cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) all the way before eating. Cooking beef to the appropriate internal temperature kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. Cook all beef products thoroughly before eating. Ground beef should reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F and whole cuts of beef should reach 145°F then rest for 3 minutes.

More information: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html

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