At least 50 snow geese have been found dead on an Upstate New York lake, according to health officials.
The birds are being tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, after being found in Geneva on the west side of Seneca Lake at Kashong Point Thursday, WROC reports. A day earlier, the NYS Department of Environment Conservation confirmed that birds at Lakeshore Landing in Romulus, Seneca County, tested positive for bird flu.
The Ontario County and Yates County public health departments said they’ve received reports of an unusually high number of dead snow geese in the Finger Lakes region.
“There is no cause for immediate alarm, but surveillance is important,” said Kate Ott, director of Ontario County Public Health in a statement.
“H5N1 in the Finger Lakes wild bird population is not new. Per US Department of Agriculture records, infections in birds from counties surrounding Seneca Lake have been documented for several years,” added Yates County Director of Public Health Doug Sinclair.
Snow geese on Cayuga Lake viewed from Lower Lake Road near Cayuga Lake State Park Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo by Mike Greenlar
The Democrat & Chronicle reports avian flu infections have been documented in Seneca Lake and the surrounded area for several years. HPAI, or H5N1, is most dangerous and deadly to birds and can cause large groups to die at the same time.
According to the CDC, human infections are rare but can happen if directly exposed to the virus through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Risk to the general public is low, but residents are urged to be cautious if disposing of dead birds.
“Human illness from bird flu has ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness, resulting in death,” the CDC said. “No person-to-person spread has been identified in the United States, but limited person-to-person spread has been reported in the past in other countries.”
People who work with birds and cows are at a greater risk of becoming infected, according to WROC. Farmers are on the lookout for sick cows and workers have their milk tested regularly.
To report dead birds, contact the NY State DEC at 585-226-5380 (Avon office) and 607-622-8274 (Bath office). Farmers are also asked to contact their veterinarians when livestock and poultry are sick, and dairy farmworkers should see their healthcare providers for eye or upper respiratory infections.
Article by:Source:
