Keeping an eye on HPAI

Still no affected dairy herds in New York State, but H5N1 in wild birds still poses a risk to poultry, people, and some domestic and wild animals.

Recently, H5N1 was detected in both NYS poultry¹ and wild birds.² There is no genomic or epidemiologic evidence that wild birds are spreading H5N1 to cattle.³ The B3.13 strain found in dairy cattle in other states is different from the strains recently detected in wild birds.

• Since H5N1 arrived in the US in 2022 it has been detected in 472 wild birds spread out over 50 NY counties. Wild birds can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and show no signs of illness.  As the spring migration ramps up, there will very likely be more wild bird detections.
• H5N1 poses a significant health risk to commercial poultry and can infect other domestic and wild animals. USDA APHIS recommends we prevent our poultry from contacting migratory waterfowl or other wild birds and secure feed bins and water sources to prevent wildlife contamination. Other HPAI precautions to protect poultry flocks can be found at USDA APHIS Defend the Flock Resource Center.⁴
• If multiple dead birds are found, notify NYSDEC via their Avian Influenza Reporting Form or by calling the regional wildlife hotline (585-226-5380) during normal business hours. The public should not handle dead birds without proper PPE. Domestic animals should be prevented from contacting dead birds.