Since January, hundreds of dead birds have been reported in ponds, beaches, and waterways across Eastern Long Island. According to New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), a number of these birds have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, Bird Flu), which may be particularly deadly due to the stresses of our unusually harsh winter.
There have been major outbreaks reported at Georgica Pond & Sagg Pond, with birds also being found on many oceanfront beaches. The Trustees of the Town of East Hampton have buried about 700 birds at Georgica Pond & the Georgica Association Beach alone.
While Canada Geese have been the most visibly affected animals, this outbreak of HPAI is also impacting other birds, including cormorants and surf scooters. The most visible symptom of HPAI in wild birds is neurological issues, such as walking in circles and twisting their necks at unusual angles.
Infographic from our friends at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Center
If you come across a sick or deceased bird, please do not interact with it. There is no cure for HPAI, and the only recourse is euthanasia. You may report large numbers of deceased or sick birds to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. If you must move a dead bird, please follow the instructions provided by the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Center.
While bird-to-human transmission has been rare, HPAI can spread through direct contact with the saliva, secretions, or feces of an infected animal. Viral particles in the air can spread it; so can consuming raw food and milk. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the overall public health risk remains low, we still recommend staying away & keeping your pets away from ill or deceased birds.
While the Surfrider Foundation does not typically engage on issues regarding wildlife, as it is outside our typical mission, we feel sharing this information is important for public knowledge, as it is occurring at our oceans & beaches.