Bird Flu At Westchester Animal Facility: 60 Animals Died, Euthanized

SOUTH SALEM, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health announced on Friday afternoon that multiple birds at Animal Nation, a farm animal rescue and sanctuary in South Salem, have tested positive for bird flu.

Approximately 60 birds have died or were euthanized.

The facility has been closed to the public since the fall, and there is no risk of public exposure. The county said that staff and volunteers are being notified, and the health department is reaching out to them to monitor for any symptoms of bird flu.

"The best way we can all be protected is to avoid contact with any sick or dying animals," Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. "While there is no risk to the public at this time, it's important that we all remain vigilant. The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and supporting those who may have been exposed."

Animal Nation released a statement on Friday addressing the discouraging news.

"Animal Nation is sadly announcing our farm sanctuary in Westchester County has been exposed to Avian Influenza (H5N1) like many other facilities," officials said. "The organization had initiated many different measures to protect the farm, but likely the farmyard fowl have been exposed from wildlife.

The group outlined the steps taken, once it became clear there was an issue.

"Animal Nation's Board of Directors acted swiftly once signs arose - Animal Nation contacted the New York State Department of Agriculture for assistance," the organization said. "Birds were tested the very same day and results were in fact positive. The organization has suspended any visitors and volunteers, allowing only essential staff to care for the animals wearing proper personal protective equipment. Westchester Department of Health has come on board to assist the organization. They will help us ensure that our essential staff and any volunteers exposed will be monitored and tested if they become symptomatic. Animal Nation is extremely appreciative to these government agencies for their assistance during this time."

Animal Nation said a strict quarantine is already in place.

"The Center for Disease Control (CDC), and other health experts, have stated the transmissioof Avian Flu to humans is rare and of low incidence," Animal Nation leadership said. "As the organization continues to work to help as many animals as possible, please be advised our farm sanctuary will be on strict quarantine for at least 120 days. This means no animal will enter or leave the property. Only essential staff will be caring for the animals. Animal Nation will be continuing to work closely with both the New York State Department of Agriculture and Westchester Department of Health."

The group said it will continue to assist wildlife at a separate location through Department of Environmental Conservation and The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

The health department gave additional advice on what residents can do if they find dead or sick birds.

If a dead bird is found on a property, it should be disposed of in accordance with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidance. Disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection should be used. Avoid direct contact with the dead animal and its fluids, use a shovel, and wash hands and clothing immediately afterwards with soap and hot water. The carcasses should be triple-bagged in garbage/contractor bags and put in an outdoor trash can.

Dr. Amler also advised residents to keep children and pets away from sick or dead birds and not to directly touch any sick or dying animal.

If multiple dead birds are found in a location, it is recommended to report the incident to the DEC.

More information about wildlife health can be found at the NYSDEC Wildlife Health webpage.

Additional bird flu resources include:

• Centers for Disease Control
• New York State Department of Health
• USDA
• American Veterinary Medical Association