Avian Influenza Alert for Wild Birds and Mammals

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture and Markets, has issued a public alert regarding the increased risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and mammals during the winter months. The alert emphasizes the ongoing spread of HPAI across the U.S. and Canada, including New York, and provides guidance on reporting suspected cases through an online tool. The notice highlights that while the risk to humans remains low, the public should avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife.

Regulated entities, particularly those in agriculture and food production, are advised to remain vigilant and implement strong biosecurity practices. While the disease cannot be contained in wild birds, the DEC will conduct strategic surveillance, prioritizing significant mortality events. The public is encouraged to use the provided online reporting form for suspected HPAI mortalities, and farmers are reminded of existing testing and import requirements for dairy cattle. No specific compliance deadline is mentioned, but vigilance and adherence to biosecurity measures are implicitly required.