SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - About 60 birds have either died or been euthanized after an outbreak of avian flu at an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Lewisboro.
County health officials reported that Animal Nation’s farm sanctuary in the hamlet of South Salem has been closed to the public since the fall and that there is no risk to the general public.
The nonprofit organization isn’t allowing any visitors onsite and has suspended volunteer duties. Only essential staff – wearing proper personal protective gear – are caring for the animals at present.
That leaves about five people to handle all the caretaking duties.
“Every day is very busy. We’re all really tired and really sad,” said Animal Nation’s president and executive director, Patrick Moore.
The county is monitoring the situation and supporting any staff member or other person who may have been exposed to the H5N1 virus. They will be tested if they become symptomatic.
In a post on its Facebook page, Animal Nation said it was “sadly announcing (that) our farm sanctuary in Westchester County has been exposed to Avian Influenza (H5N1) like many other facilities.”
It said it had taken multiple steps to protect the farm and that it’s likely that its chickens and turkeys had been exposed to infected wild birds, most like Canada geese.
The board of directors “acted swiftly once signs arose.”
“It started out kind of slow and then, boom, rapid fire,” Moore said, adding that because they were already taking precautions, they were able to catch it quickly.
The state Department of Agriculture was contacted for assistance and birds were tested the same day. The results were positive.
Because of the outbreak, the sanctuary was placed on “strict quarantine” for at least 120 days.
“This means no animal will enter or leave the property” and that only essential staff will be caring for the animals.
Animal Nation is working closely with the state Department of Agriculture and the Westchester Department of Health and will “continue to assist wildlife at a separate location” through the state DEC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it said.
Saying that it appreciated the county and the state’s assistance, Animal Nation also noted that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other health experts have “stated (that) the transmission of Avian Flu to humans is rare and of low incidence.”
H5N1 is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in domestic birds and dairy cattle in the U.S.
Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds have the highest risk for infection. Wild mammals such as fox and coyote that scavenge on birds are also at risk.
Earlier this month, close to a dozen Canada geese found dead in a town park in Mount Pleasant tested positive for bird flu.
In January, the carcass of another of the ubiquitous waterfowl was discovered at Green Chimneys, a farm and wildlife center in Brewster in Putnam County. It too tested positive.
Another case was identified in a deceased Canada goose in New City in Rockland County. Bird flu killed 50 chickens and ducks on a farm in Ulster County. And a commercial duck farm -- the last of its kind on Long Island – was forced to euthanize more than 100,000 of the animals after bird flu was detected.
Education is Key
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler continues to emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and told folks that the best way to be protected “is to avoid contact with any sick or dying animals.”
Health officials advise anyone who’s found a dead bird to follow state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidelines for its safe disposal.
They should wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection and avoid direct contact with the animal and its fluids.
Keep children and pets away, use a shovel, and use soap and hot water to wash hands and clothing immediately afterward.
The carcass should be triple bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash bin.
Cases where multiple dead birds have been found in a single location should be reported to the DEC.
Animal Nation, like other rescue and rehab groups, has been overwhelmed with reports from concerned citizens as well as police and governmental agencies about everything from dead swans and geese to ducks and songbirds.
(Whether all, or any of, these have been proven to be due to avian flu is unknown.)
“This isn’t something that we’re used to,” Moore said of the volume of calls recently.
The goal is to educate without unduly alarming anyone.
All it can do is refer them back to the state DEC protocols.
“We’re all trying to do the best we can,” he said.
Symptoms
Avian flu disease can present in a number of ways.
These range from no or mild symptoms to moderate and severe -- and sometimes fatal -- ones.
Mild signs and symptoms may include eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis) -- the most predominant among U.S. cases; mild fever (a temperature of 100 F or feeling “feverish.” Fever may not always be present), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe disease are high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, altered consciousness, and seizures.
Grateful for Support
Animal Nation said it’s been heartened by the “outpouring of love and support” from the community, volunteers, essential workers, and government agencies it’s gotten since its announcement in February.
Still, these are stressful times.
“When you’re living this it’s beyond sad, it’s scary,” Moore said.
Good to Know
Deceased wild birds can be reported to the DEC at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/reporting-dead-wildlife.
Folks who need assistance with an animal can contact Animal Nation’s hotline, (914) 400-6014 or visit animalnation.org.
For more information about avian flu visit:
https://www.health.ny.gov/disease/communicable/influenza/avian
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