Bird flu found in five wild birds in Suffolk, federal data shows

Five wild birds from Suffolk County have tested positive for avian influenza over the last two months, according to federal data.

They appear to be the first confirmed cases of bird flu on Long Island since last summer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. The birds included two buffleheads, a small type of duck, picked up on Dec. 10 and Jan. 7th. A hooded merganser, a duck known for its elaborate crest, was picked up on Jan. 5th.

The two remaining birds were a snow goose picked up on Jan. 12 and an unidentified goose on Jan. 7th.

Other birds picked up in Nassau and Suffolk counties were retrieved by state Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife experts and will be tested, the agency said in a statement.

"The public should strongly consider that groups of birds found deceased in the Long Island region to be HPAI positive," the agency said, advising the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is common among wild aquatic birds and can spread to ducks and chickens. But this strain, H5N1, spreads easily and can cause severe illness and death in birds.

Birds infected with HPAI may have symptoms including sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy or seizures, according to the DEC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the risk to human health remains low and there have been no person to person transmission of the disease. The agency said 71 human cases have been reported, mostly people who work with cattle and poultry, and two deaths.

Last January, bird flu spread through the Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue and 99,000 ducks had to be euthanized. The farm was able to reopen thanks to 3,700 ducklings hatched from eggs that were saved and months of clean up and quarantine.

Avian flu was also detected in New York City’s live poultry, forcing them to close temporarily. Various birds on Long Island, and mammals — such as skunks and domestic cats — in other parts of the state, have tested positive for H5N1 over the last three years.

Several state agencies, including the DEC, Health Department and Agriculture and Markets are working with the USDA and the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab to monitor the spread of bird flu in New York.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.