Dozens of Dead Birds Found on Long Island Beach Believed to have Died from Avian Flu
A Local Community’s Concern
A Long Island beachside community in Suffolk County is worried about dozens of dead birds that have washed up on the shore and been found in backyards, especially because officials believe the birds died from avian flu.
A Chance Discovery
Tim Jones, the vice president of the Patchogue Shores community association, made a chance discovery earlier this week. While walking along the beach with his family, he noticed many dead birds. “I saw three seagulls, a cormorant, and I got a count of 11 ducks,” he explained.
A Visual Display of the Situation
NBC New York walked with Jones and saw a dead gull, a dead goose bobbing in the water, and various other smaller birds strewn along the small stretch of sand.
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s Assessment
Jones contacted the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which said it appeared to be avian flu due to cases in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Officials from the department urged the community to close the beach to avoid any contact with the dead birds.
The Risks Involved
While bird-to-human transmission has been extremely low, the avian flu can be spread by direct contact through saliva, secretions, and feces. It can also be spread through viral particles in the air and consumption of raw food and milk.
A Previous Outbreak in the Area
Earlier this month, bird flu was detected at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, forcing the farm’s owner to euthanize nearly 100,000 ducks.
Community Concerns
Residents of Patchogue Shores are staying away from the beach for now, hoping the issue will be resolved as the weather gets warmer. “It’s very frightening, obviously, and I’m not quite sure what we can do about it at this point, other than to stay away,” said resident Janet Bondy. “But that becomes very difficult if you live down here.”
“It’s upsetting because people enjoy this. This is the one place where everybody who lives here enjoys, it’s something to have special, private, and it’s sad,” added Jones.
The DEC’s Response
The DEC says the wind may have brought the influx of dead birds to shore. While they are assessing the reports, they may decide to collect some bird specimens for testing.
Conclusion
The community is left to wait and see how the situation will unfold. In the meantime, residents are taking precautions to avoid contact with the dead birds and hoping for a swift resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is avian flu?
+ Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a type of influenza that affects birds.
* How is it spread?
+ Avian flu can be spread by direct contact with infected birds, as well as through airborne transmission and contaminated food and water.
* What is the risk of transmission to humans?
+ The risk of transmission from bird to human is extremely low, but it’s not zero. Taking precautions and staying informed is crucial.
