Long Island’s last duck farm is at risk of losing its entire flock as bird flu spreads across the region. Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, New York, home to nearly 100,000 ducks, must now cull all birds after detecting the H5N1 strain. The farm, a source for restaurants nationwide, is under quarantine and officials are planning depopulation, cleaning, and disinfection efforts.
The outbreak follows similar incidents in other states, leading to mass culling of animals. The owner, Doug Corwin, expressed shock at the situation and emphasized that this marks the end of an era for his family-run business. While health officials stress the risk to humans remains low, they caution about potential transmission between infected birds and farm workers.
With 67 confirmed human cases and one death in the U.S., the crisis has worsened across the country, prompting California to declare a state of emergency due to cattle herds affected. The farm’s closure could deal a significant blow to Long Island’s duck farming industry, which once played a vital role in the local economy.
The process of culling and disinfecting is expected to take two to three months, with efforts to save eggs ongoing until a vaccine is available. A local hatchery has agreed to assist in preserving genetic diversity, crucial for restarting the business. The farm supplies ducks to major cities like New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston.
Corwin, who has farmed ducks since 1908, described the situation as a “glimmer of hope” while waiting for potential vaccine approval. However, he remains uncertain about restarting operations without it. The economic impact on Long Island is immense, with the ducks contributing to nearly four percent of the U.S. market.
Despite the challenges, Corwin remains hopeful. “This has spread like wildfire here,” he said. “I am 66 and my great-grandfather started this business. I have seen a lot of things in my years, but I haven’t seen anything like this.”
The outbreak has reshaped the region’s agricultural landscape, leaving many questions about the future of duck farming on Long Island.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/nyregion/long-island-duck-farm-bird-flu.html