Sullivan County Public Health Monitoring for Avian Flu No Reports Thus Far, But It Is in New York State

COUNTY OF SULLIVAN

DIVISION OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Department of Public Health

GLADYS OLMSTED BUILDING

50 COMMUNITY LANE
LIBERTY, NY 12754

For Immediate Release:

February 5, 2025

Sullivan County Public Health
Monitoring for Avian Flu

No Reports Thus Far, But It Is in New York State

Liberty, NY – With neighboring Ulster County confirming the presence of bird flu, Sullivan County’s Department of Public Health remains vigilant in preparing for potential local outbreaks.

What Is Bird Flu?

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is caused by Influenza A viruses that naturally occur in wild birds. While many AI viruses cause minimal harm to birds, certain strains, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses like H5N1, can lead to severe illness and death in poultry and some wild bird species.

These viruses have the potential to infect other animals, including humans, though such cases are rare. Dairy cattle, for example, are affected by this virus, though so far, no cases have been found in New York State’s dairy herds.

“To date, there have been no specific reports of avian influenza in birds, animals, or humans in Sullivan County,” noted Sullivan County Public Health Director Dr. Jessie Moore.

What Is Sullivan County Doing?

“The presence of H5N1 in other parts of New York underscores the importance of vigilance,” Dr. Moore said. “The County’s diverse bird populations and agricultural activities necessitate proactive measures to prevent potential outbreaks. Public Health staff have been in regular contact with local poultry farms to discuss their handling and processing procedures. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as they are available.”

Public Health Recommendations

• Avoid contact with wild birds and sick poultry:
  • Residents should refrain from handling wild birds, especially those that appear sick or are found dead.
  • Farmers should isolate sick poultry and report unusual poultry deaths to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (518-457-3502) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (866-536-7593).
• Report unusual wild bird deaths:
  • Any instances of multiple sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dee381c0ee8a4114a83dc1892fc0f7ed.
• Practice good hygiene:
  • Poultry farmers and bird owners should implement strict biosecurity measures, including regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities.
• Consume only pasteurized dairy products and fully cooked eggs:
  • Pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooked eggs significantly reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission.
  • Avoid raw milk and egg products unless they have been heat-treated.
• Monitor health:
  • Individuals who have had contact with potentially infected birds should monitor their health for symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
  • The seasonal flu vaccine may provide protection from AI. If you have not already received your flu vaccine, please contact your health care provider or pharmacy.

Conclusion

“While there is currently no immediate public health concern regarding avian influenza in Sullivan County, continued vigilance and adherence to recommended preventive measures are essential,” explained Dr. Moore. “In collaboration with our community partners like Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health remains committed to monitoring the situation and providing timely updates to protect the health and well-being of our community.”

For more information, please visit the New York State Department of Health’s avian influenza resource page: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/?utm_source=chatgpt.com