NEW YORK STATE —  New York State continues to take proactive measures through monitoring and encouraged testing to prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and facilitate early detection, particularly as the state continues to see HPAI in the wild bird population. Recently, the Putnam County Department of Health announced the detection of HPAI in a wild goose found in Brewster. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services Laboratories has recently confirmed the presence of HPAI in a poultry farm in Suffolk County. The state reminds commercial and hobby poultry farmers to increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease.  

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald urged everyone who has regular contact with livestock and wild birds to remain vigilant and take precautions by wearing personal protective equipment when they are in contact with these animals. 

HPAI in poultry

All poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. 

Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time.

To report sick birds, an unexplained high number of deaths or sudden drop in egg production, contact AGM’s Division of Animal Industry at 518/457-3502 or the USDA at 886/536-7593.

HPAI in dairy cattle

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is implementing new testing initiatives on dairy farms as part of its aggressive response to the outbreak of HPAI in livestock in other states, working in close collaboration with federal partners including USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, FDA, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; and state partners including the New York State Department of Health. While there have been no detections of HPAI in livestock in New York to date, the state’s approach is aimed at ensuring the state remains free of HPAI and facilitating early detection.

The new testing initiative is one of multiple preventative measures taken by the state to prevent the spread of HPAI and protect animal and human health since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024. The department also issued orders on import requirements for dairy cattle coming into New York as well as testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions. These orders remain in place until further notice.  

USDA offers several producer support programs that are available to all dairy producers as well as certain programs only available to dairy producers with HPAI-positive herds. These programs include tools to support biosecurity planning and implementation as well as financial support programs to offset costs associated with HPAI testing, veterinary expenses, personal protective equipment purchases, milk disposal and milk losses.

Additional information is available at www.tinyurl.com/34bpntws.