Bird flu possible cause of dead birds in East Patchogue

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently assessing a report received on Feb. 26, indicating approximately 20 dead ducks, geese, and shorebirds on a community beach in East Patchogue.

According to the DEC, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was previously detected in the area. Also, both Nassau and Suffolk counties have positive results for HPAI.

In recent weeks, winds have likely caused a larger number of shorebirds to wash ashore on Long Island’s South Shore beaches; however, cases of HPAI are distributed throughout the region.

HPAI cases have been confirmed across the state, particularly in Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. DEC recommends that people avoid direct exposure to dead and sick birds and follow the proper guidelines: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/animal-diseaseson.

The public should strongly consider that groups of birds found deceased are HPAI positive and should follow CDC safety protocols to reduce contact (( Current Situation: Bird Flu in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC.)

The New York State Cooperative Wildlife Health Program (WHP) is monitoring the occurrence and impact of HPAI across the state.

In 2025, statewide initial test results from Cornell University’s Wildlife Health Laboratory are presumptive positive for 152 birds in 37 counties. Confirmation from USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is pending.

Confirmed cases are listed on the USDA website and shown on the USGS map. 

Once a report is received, DEC’s field response is guided by the report’s details, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented.

Of particular interest are reports of suspected outbreaks in all species of waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds such as gulls, loons, and herons. These species are known HPAI vectors, particularly vulnerable to the disease, when testing can help DEC track HPAI prevalence on the landscape. 

HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal.

The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds.

In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. 

Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.

Recently, Gov. Hochul announced additional measures to prevent the spread of HPAI in poultry,  https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-additional-measures-prevent-spread-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza.