With the Easter holiday approaching and many people considering purchasing baby chicks and ducklings, the Ulster County Health Department is reminding residents about the ongoing risk of Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu. The department is urging the public to take precautions to protect their animals and prevent the spread of the disease.
In January, a Bird Flu case was confirmed at an Ulster County farm, resulting in the loss of 50 birds. While there are currently no active cases in the county, the threat remains, especially as migratory birds, which can carry the virus, return to the area. The economic impacts of the virus are substantial, particularly for the poultry industry, which can face significant losses from the culling of infected flocks.
“We understand that many people are motivated by the desire to produce their own food or enjoy the company of animals,” said Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter. “However, with Avian Flu still a threat, it’s crucial that people follow the CDC guidance to keep yourself and your animals safe.”
Avian Flu is highly contagious and affects both wild and domestic birds. The virus spreads through direct contact with birds, contaminated surfaces, or the air. Allowing backyard poultry to roam freely or interact with wild birds increases the risk of infection and can create a difficult-to-control cycle.
While the risk of human transmission is low, it’s not zero. Exposure to infected animals leads to symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and headaches. In birds, signs of illness include sudden death, loss of appetite, swelling or discoloration, and nasal discharge.
The Ulster County Health Department emphasizes the importance of following CDC guidelines for caring for backyard flocks, which can be found at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/caring/index.html. They also recommend avoiding handling sick birds and contacting the health department at 845-334-5527 if you suspect an animal is infected. For additional information, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/.