With neighboring Ulster County confirming the presence of bird flu, Sullivan County’s Dept. of Public Health remains vigilant in preparing for potential local outbreaks.

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza or AI, commonly known as “bird flu,” is caused by Influenza A viruses that naturally occur in wild birds. While many AI viruses cause minimal harm to birds, certain strains, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses like H5N1, can lead to severe illness and death in poultry and some wild bird species.

These viruses have the potential to infect other animals, including humans, though such cases are rare. Dairy cattle, for example, are affected by this virus, though so far, no cases have been found in New York State’s dairy herds.

“To date, there have been no specific reports of avian influenza in birds, animals, or humans in Sullivan County,” said Public Health Director Dr. Jessie Moore.

Preventing an outbreak

“The presence of H5N1 in other parts of New York underscores the importance of vigilance,” Dr. Moore said. “The county’s diverse bird populations and agricultural activities necessitate proactive measures to prevent potential outbreaks. Public Health staff have been in regular contact with local poultry farms to discuss their handling and processing procedures. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as they are available.”

Here are a few recommendations for avoiding contact with bird flu.

Residents should refrain from handling wild birds, especially those that appear sick or are found dead.
Farmers should isolate sick poultry and report unusual poultry deaths to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502 or the US Dept. of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.
Any instances of multiple sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation at survey123.arcgis.com/share/dee381c0ee8a4114a83dc1892fc0f7ed.
Poultry farmers and bird owners should implement strict bio-security measures, including regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities.
Pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooked eggs significantly reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission.
Individuals who have had contact with potentially infected birds should monitor their health for symptoms such as fever, coughs or difficulty breathing, and should seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

To learn more, visit the NY State Dept. of Health website at health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian.