Bird Flu in Tompkins County
What is HPAI?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that is carried by free-flying waterfowl and other waterbirds such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, but can also infect domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl), raptors, corvids (crows and ravens), and mammals.
HPAI is not new; one strain of avian flu (H5N1) has been circulating in wild birds across the US and poultry in New York State since 2022. There have been no human cases reported in NYS.
Where is HPAI found?
Recently, there have been a number of HPAI cases reported in dairy cattle in several states. Some infected wild birds can carry these viruses without getting sick, but domestic poultry and many species of wild birds get sick and often die from these viruses. Songbirds and other passerine birds do not appear to be highly susceptible to infection.
Bird flu can be picked up from contact with infected feces, surfaces, or through the air, though aerial transmission from farm to farm is unlikely.
While HPAI could become present anywhere in New York, at this point HPAI has not yet been identified in any dairy cattle or goats in NYS. For this reason, transmission from dairy cattle into poultry flocks is not yet a concern for NYS farms. Regular milk testing to confirm that the virus has not entered local dairy farms is being conducted across the state.
The risk to Backyard Chicken Flocks is considered low. Visit Cornell's FAQ about bird flu in NYS and the USDA's Defend the Flock website for guidance.
Who is At Risk of Exposure?
Given the available evidence we have from both NY and around the country, risk to the general public remains low. Nearly all reported positive cases in humans have been traced back from prolonged direct contact with infected poultry and dairy cattle respiratory secretions or feces.
To reduce risk of exposure, avoid or limit contact with any dead birds you may come across, and keep children and pets away from them. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses. Birds from affected flocks have not entered the food system.
Farm workers who work with infected poultry or dairy cattle are at increased risk of avian influenza. To reduce this risk, people who work directly with birds or cattle should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Which PPE workers should wear depends on their risk of exposure. See What measures can be put in place to help protect farm workers (NYSDOH).
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF BIRD FLU & PPE GUIDANCE
Symptoms of bird flu can include the following. It is possible to have just one symptom — or none at all.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when you work with sick or dead birds and livestock, especially cows. Wear it when you handle milk, feces (poop), or other material that may be contaminated with the virus. PPE includes these items:
Source: H5N1 “Bird Flu”: Guidance for Farmworkers (PDF)
Español: Gripe aviar H5N1: Pautas para trabajadores agrícolas (PDF)
BIRD FLU & YOUR PETS
Cats are very susceptible to H5N1 avian influenza. Avian influenza in cats can be severe and lead to death. Dogs appear to be less susceptible to the current H5N1 strain.
The highest risk is for cats who
- Have been drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or eating raw or undercooked meat, including commercially produced products
- Have been exposed to sick or dead wild birds, particularly waterfowl like geese or ducks.
- Live on or wander onto farms where they have contact with poultry or dairy cows.
- Are in contact with backyard poultry flocks.
How to protect cats and dogs from avian influenza
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends:
- Keeping cats indoors.
- Keeping pets that do go outdoors away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle and their environments.
- Preventing pets from eating dead birds or other animals.
- Avoiding feeding pets raw meat or poultry and unpasteurized (raw) milk.
When to seek veterinary care
If your pet has any of the following signs, which can be caused by avian influenza and other animal diseases:
- Fever
- Lethargy (little energy)
- Low appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
More information
4/2/2025
What to do if you find dead birds?
While it is unlikely that handling dead birds would lead to human infection, it is best to be cautious. Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home. Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
If you find dead wild birds, especially multiple species or individuals in one place, please report it using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting form. There is no need to report finding a single dead bird.
Response will be guided by the number of dead birds, bird species, and new areas where DEC has not documented HPAI yet. DEC will not test every dead bird, and will decide if testing is needed. If DEC does not collect the bird(s) you may want to dispose of it/them.
If you need to dispose of dead birds you should wear gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids, and use a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves. (See How to dispose of a dead bird, below.)
If you should develop flu-like symptoms within ten days of disposing of a group of dead birds, contact Community Health Services, or your practitioner.
HOW TO DISPOSE OF A DEAD BIRD
- Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
- Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
- Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
- Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
- Alternatively, consider contacting a nuisance wildlife service to dispose of the birds.
Report suspect cases of HPAI in wild birds:
NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form
4/2/2025