The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new web-based platform where residents can report suspected cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as H5N1 or “bird flu.” This comes after the discovery last month in Brewster of a wild goose that died from H5N1 and several more recent detections here reported by New York State. The full media release from the state is available online in the Governor’s pressroom here:  governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-york-states-continued-efforts-prevent-spread-highly-pathogenic

HPAI is widespread among wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal. In cases where DEC field staff do not collect samples or carcasses, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. This helps minimize possible risk of human exposure and limit disease spread. 

If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, precautions must be taken. 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.  

The new link for reporting observations can be found on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage. 
For information about reporting dead animals, visit the following link: Reporting Dead Wildlife - NYSDEC.

Putnam County Department of Health reminds the community that the risk to the public is minimal, however people with work or recreational exposures to sick or potentially infected animals should be reminded that they are at higher risk. The department continues to work with other agencies to limit exposure risk.