Bird flu sickens and kills dozens of birds in South Salem

By NEAL RENTZ

The H5 bird flu (avian influenza) has arrived in South Salem, resulting in the death or euthanization of 60 birds at the animal rescue group Animal Nation.

Canada geese came to the property Feb. 20 and spread the disease, said Patrick Moore of South Salem, president and executive director of the facility.

Animal Nation staff wore personal protective equipment when responding to the bird deaths, Moore said. 

The group, founded in 2001, is a nonprofit, all volunteer-run animal rescue outfit and sanctuary, which describes its mission as “to end cruelty to animals and promote the health and well-being of all who reside on Earth.”

Moore said one of the ways bird flu can spread to other animals is through bird feces, which can become airborne. Like the COVID-19 virus, bird flu is more prevalent during the cold weather months, he said.

Animal Nation closes each fall to the public and when it is open some private tours are provided, Moore said. 

As stated on the federal Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention website this week, there has been no known person-to-person spread of the disease; the current public health risk is low; there have been 70 cases of the illness nationally and one human death. 

Since the February incident, Animal Nation has been working with such agencies as the Westchester County Health Department and the CDC, Moore said. 

Animal Nation is home to a variety of birds, including ducks, geese and turkeys. 

There have been other incidents of bird flu in the region over the past few months. 

According to the Westchester County Department of Health, there is no risk of public exposure to the bird flu because of what happened at the South Salem site. Nevertheless, the Animal Nation staff and volunteers have been contacted by the department to monitor any symptoms of the bird flu.

“The best way we can all be protected is to avoid contact with any sick or dying animals,” Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. “While there is no risk to the public at this time, it’s important that we all remain vigilant. The health department is closely monitoring the situation and supporting those who may have been exposed.”

The health department is telling the public that if someone finds a dead bird it should be disposed of in accordance with state Department of Environmental Conservation guidance including wearing disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Carcasses should be triple-bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash can.

Amler said children and pets should be kept away from sick or dead birds and not allowed to directly touch any sick or dying animal.

In cases where multiple dead birds are observed in a single location, the county recommends it be reported to the DEC.

For more information, visit dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health.