Bird Flu Confirmed in Delaware County as New York State Expands Testing Efforts

On Tuesday, Delaware County Public Health Services confirmed its first case of the H5N1 virus, commonly known as avian flu or “bird flu,” in a local flock. The affected flock, consisting of 150 chickens, geese, and ducks, was reported by the health services.

In response, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, along with the USDA and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), are on-site to assist with depopulating the infected flock, cleaning, and disinfecting the affected farm. The Health Services Department emphasized that the owner was the only individual who had contact with the infected birds, noting that people with no direct exposure to sick animals are at a low risk of contracting the virus.

Currently, there have been no reported cases of bird flu in domestic pets. However, authorities advise pet owners to keep their animals away from dead birds or other wildlife to avoid potential exposure.

As part of the state’s proactive response to the bird flu outbreak, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has implemented new testing requirements for all poultry entering New York’s live bird markets. This comes after a temporary closure of 82 live bird markets across the state on February 7, aimed at breaking the cycle of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) transmission and further protecting animal and public health. Following extensive cleaning and sanitation, these markets have now reopened.

Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball explained that the new testing regulations are a vital step in protecting both human and animal health. These measures follow multiple instances of HPAI detected in live bird markets earlier this month, which prompted the shutdown and cleaning of those locations.

The new regulations stipulate that all poultry entering live bird markets must come from a source flock where at least 30 birds (or all birds in flocks smaller than 30) aged seven days or older have tested negative for avian influenza. Testing must be carried out at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.

New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald reassured the public that the risk to humans remains low. “This enhanced surveillance is a proactive step to protect both livestock workers and the general public,” he said.

Governor Hochul’s February 7 announcement regarding the closure of live bird markets across New York City, Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties was part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to control the spread of HPAI. Since the closures, markets have been sanitized and inspected, with no further detections of HPAI.

Anyone observing sick birds, a high number of unexplained bird deaths, or a sudden drop in egg production is encouraged to report it to the Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

While no HPAI cases have been detected in New York’s livestock, the state continues its vigilant monitoring, including participation in the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) to monitor HPAI in the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. If an infection is detected, state inspectors will conduct additional sampling and testing, with tracebacks to the source farm if necessary.

Officials from the USDA and FDA assure consumers that pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume, as pasteurization eliminates harmful pathogens. Additionally, properly cooked meat products remain safe for consumption.

Image Credit: FarmandDairy.com File Photo