Wild Goose Positive For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Locally

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in a wild goose in Putnam County, according to county health officials.

The Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster first identified the dead goose at the end of December, and made sure the bird was tested.

Green Chimneys has since identified several dead waterfowl, both wild and domestic, and together with the Putnam County Department of Health is working with the NYS Department of Health, and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, to mitigate risk to other animals as well as humans, according to officials.

"PCDOH has been keeping abreast of the H5N1 epidemic since detections were first reported in wild birds in the United States in 2022. Currently, one wild goose has been confirmed positive and tests are still pending for several birds from Green Chimneys," Putnam County Department of Health Epidemiologist Alison Kaufman said. "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."

The Putnam County Health Department said that humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered low risk for exposure.

"Most residents and visitors to Putnam County 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," Interim Commissioner of Health, Dr. Michael J. Nesheiwat 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 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation here.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, H5N1 Bird Flu is currently considered "widespread" in wild birds accross North America. Wild birds can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and show no signs of illness, according to the agency. Infected birds can then carry the disease to new areas when migrating, potentially exposing domestic poultry to the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control said the current public health risk is low, but they are watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

According to the CDC, there have been 67 confirmed total reported human cases in the U.S. associated with the latest outbreak. Most of those cases have been reported in western U.S. states. Just one death associated with H5N1 Bird Flu infection has been confirmed by the CDC in the U.S., as of Jan. 17. No serious human illnesses have been reported in New York so far.

One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. Louisiana reported the first H5N1 bird flu death in the U.S.

Illnesses in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness (eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms) to severe disease (pneumonia) that resulted in death.

The current outbreak began in late March 2024 with the detection of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows.

"The impact of avian influenza on some animal populations is a noted concern among organizations such as Green Chimneys," Kristin Dionne, Chief Executive Officer of Green Chimneys explained. "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. As a school and residential center, the safety of our students and staff is critical. I personally commend the staff and leadership of our Farm & Wildlife Center for their quick and thorough response when these bird deaths were first discovered. Their professionalism and diligence will help significantly reduce the risk to all of our animals and campus community."

The Putnam County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza. If you or someone you know is concerned about a potential exposure, you can call 845-808-1390.