The Putnam County Department of Health was recently notified of a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1 or “bird flu,” in a wild goose found locally.
The Farm & Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster identified the deceased goose at the end of December, and took action to ensure the animal was appropriately tested.
Avian influenza has been spreading globally in wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks since 2022. It has also impacted domestic animals. Humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for exposure to avian influenza.
Green Chimneys has since identified several deceased waterfowl, both wild and domestic, and together with the health department is working closely with New York State Department of Health and NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets to mitigate risk to other animals, as well as humans.
“PCDOH has been keeping abreast of the H5N1 epidemic since detections were first reported in wild birds in the U.S. in 2022,” said health department epidemiologist Alison Kaufman. “Currently, one wild goose has been confirmed positive and tests are still pending for several birds from Green Chimneys. 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.”
Interim Commissioner of Health Dr. Michael Nesheiwat said most residents and visitors to Putnam will not be directly impacted by this news.
“However, people with work or recreational exposures to sick or potentially infected animals should be reminded that they are at higher risk,” he said. “This includes backyard flock owners and hunters alike. The CDC has recommended precautions that should be adhered to by anyone at risk of exposure to an animal potentially infected with H5N1.”
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 the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at https://dec.ny.gov.
“The impact of avian influenza on some animal populations is a noted concern among organizations such as Green Chimneys,” said Green Chimneys CEO Kristin Dionne. “We are dedicated to the health and welfare of our 300 animals, maintaining the highest standards and best practices in their care. Our farm and wildlife team was prepared with immediate precautions and put protocols in place to prevent cross contamination between our various bird areas, and modified programming to minimize disruption to regular education and activity schedules for our students.”
The Putnam County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza.
Anyone concerned about a potential exposure is asked to call 845-808-1390.
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