Goose tests positive for bird flu in Putnam—Health Dept. says risk to humans 'remains low'

BREWSTER, N.Y.—A wild goose found dead in Putnam County has tested positive for H5N1, the “highly pathogenic” avian influenza known colloquially as bird flu.

According to a Jan. 17 press release from the county health department, the Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster first identified the dead goose at the end of December and tested the animal.

“Green Chimneys has since identified several deceased waterfowl, both wild and domestic, and together with the Putnam County Department of Health is working closely with New York State Department of Health, and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to mitigate risk to other animals as well as humans.,” the press release said.

Health officials noted that avian influenza has been spreading globally in wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks since 2022 and has also infected some domestic animals.

The health department said humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for exposure to avian influenza.

“PCDOH has been keeping abreast of the H5N1 epidemic since detections were first reported in wild birds in the United States in 2022, " said Putnam County Department of Health Epidemiologist Alison Kaufman. ”Currently, one wild goose has been confirmed positive and tests are still pending for several birds from Green Chimneys. We are working closely with Green Chimneys to monitor any staff with potential exposures to sick animals and recommend strategies to mitigate risks for further exposures.”

Putnam's interim commissioner of health, Dr. Michael J. Nesheiwat confirmed that the risk to the public is minimal.

“Most residents and visitors to Putnam County will not be directly impacted by this news," Nesheiwat said. "However people with work or recreational exposures to sick or potentially infected animals should be reminded that they are at higher risk. This includes backyard flock owners and hunters alike.

"The CDC has recommended precautions that should be adhered to by anyone at risk of exposure to an animal potentially infected with H5N1,” he added.

Find CDC recommendations here: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html, with pertinent information for hunters and owners as well.

Health officials warned residents not to touch sick or dead birds—wild or domestic. Incidents of severe illness or die-offs in backyard poultry should be reported to The U.S. Department of Agriculture at 1-866-536-7593 or a local veterinarian. Any dead wild birds should be reported to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/reporting-dead-wildlife.

Health officials said the Putnam County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza.

If you or someone you know is concerned about a potential exposure, call 845-808-1390.

For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.