Bird Flu Found In Wild Canada Goose In Rockland County Lake

NEW CITY, NY — Rockland County health officials have recorded the county's first case of a bird infected with H5N1 avian influenza.

It was confirmed by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, that a wild Canada goose found at a lake tested positive for bird flu.

"Anyone who is a hunter, backyard flock owner, or works with sick or potentially infected animals are at higher risk for bird flu and appropriate precautions should be taken," Rockland County's Dr. Chitra Punjabi explained. "Otherwise, for most people who do not come into direct contact with sick animals, the risk for bird flu is very low."

Health officials offered suggestions on keeping that risk low.

Avoid contact with wild birds and other animals.

If you find a dead bird or animal, don’t touch or pick it up with your bare hands.

If removal of a dead animal is necessary, wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and avoid any direct contact with the dead animal by using a shovel. The animal's remains should be triple-bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash can. When finished, wash your hands and clothing immediately with soap and hot water.

There is no need to report finding a single dead bird. However, if you find more than one dead bird in one place, report it using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting form.

Stay a safe distance away. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close. If an animal is acting strangely, call animal control right away. Don't pet or feed wildlife. If a wild animal approaches you, even if it seems friendly, slowly back away. Don't adopt wild animals or bring them into your home, even temporarily. Never handle unfamiliar animals, even if they are someone else's pets.

For those with a backyard chicken coop, report any sick poultry to NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H5N1 page or wildlife page or New York State Department of Health.