BREWSTER, NY—The Putnam County Department of Health was notified of a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1 or “bird flu” in a wild goose found in Putnam County. The Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster first identified the deceased goose at the end of December, and took action to ensure the animal was appropriately tested. Avian influenza has been spreading globally in wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks since 2022. It has also impacted some domestic animals. Humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for exposure to avian influenza. 

 

Green Chimneys has since identified several deceased waterfowl, both wild and domestic, and together with the Putnam County Department of Health is working closely with New York State Department of Health, and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to mitigate risk to other animals as well as humans.  

 

Putnam County Department of Health Epidemiologist, Alison Kaufman, DVM, MPH says, “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. 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.” 

 
Interim Commissioner of Health, Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD, confirms the risk to the public is minimal. “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. 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.” Find CDC recommendations here: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html, with pertinent information for hunters and owners as well.  

 

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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/reporting-dead-wildlife. 

 

Kristin Dionne, Chief Executive Officer of Green Chimneys says, “The impact of avian influenza on some animal populations is a noted concern among organizations such as Green Chimneys. 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. We are grateful for the guidance of the New York State and Putnam County Health Departments, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, as we continue to evaluate and monitor this situation.” 

 

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, please call 845-808-1390.  

 

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.