Avian Flu

By Terri Estes
Avian influenza, also known as avian flu or bird flu, is a type of influenza that is common in wild birds and can be transmitted to domestic flocks of chickens, ducks and other domestic birds. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted to humans.
Last week, avian flu was detected on Long Island’s last working duck farm, located on the North Fork of the Island. This outbreak forced the farm to euthanize more than 100,000 ducks at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, NY. So far, no workers at the farm have been reported ill.
Crescent Duck Farm has been in operation since 1908. They are the main suppliers of duck, not only in New York, but for a large portion of the Northeast. According to the owner, Doug Corwin, this outbreak could mark the end of their existence.
In rare cases, avian flu can be transmitted to humans. Since 1997, approximately 970 people have contracted bird flu in the U.S., most of them were farm workers. The disease has shown to be about 50% fatal in humans.
The USDA is currently urging people to minimize contact with wild birds and use gloves if you need to interact with them. Hunters and farm workers are urged to “practice good biosecurity” when handling birds. Those of us with backyard chickens and domestic birds should take precautions to protect and quarantine our fine feathered friends.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms in birds can range from sudden death to low energy or appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts, reduced egg production, or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, lack of coordination and diarrhea.
This latest local outbreak comes shortly after another bird flu outbreak at a poultry plant in Georgia the week before. According to the CDC, this strain has hit more than 138 million poultry across the country since 2022. The ongoing spread of this strain of avian flu in the United States has also contributed to recent rising egg prices across the country.