A recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Seneca County, New York, has been linked to dozens of dead snow geese. According to the Cornell Veterinary Health Lab, 40 birds in the area have tested positive for the virus. The affected counties include Tompkins, Cayuga, and Seneca.
The virus, also known as bird flu, is carried primarily by waterfowl and can infect domestic poultry and mammals. There have been cases of infected cattle in several states. The US Department of Agriculture categorizes HPAI as extremely contagious and deadly to domestic poultry.
Local residents are being advised to handle dead birds with care, wearing protective gear and double-bagging the carcasses before disposing of them. Wildlife experts warn that cleaning up the dead birds without proper assistance could lead to logistical problems.
The risk of infection in humans is lower than in birds, but there have been sporadic reports of human infections associated with poultry or dairy cattle exposures. The CDC recommends using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when in direct contact with sick or dead animals.
A reporting form has been released by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for the public to submit suspected cases of avian influenza.
Source: https://ithacavoice.org/2025/02/avian-influenza-found-in-dead-birds-across-the-finger-lakes-including-tompkins-county