USA: New York announces suspected bird flu

DEC launched an investigation into the suspicious death of a bird at Game Farm on March 20, and initial test results indicate a possible outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza. DEC is working closely with animal HEALTH experts from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory to determine the next steps on the farm.

Avian influenza has been circulating in wild birds in North America since early 2022 and was previously confirmed in wild birds in Tompkins County, where the Reynolds Game Farm is located.

The game farm applies strict biosecurity protocols, including fencing and overhead netting, to prevent large birds such as hawks, owls, ducks, geese and gulls from entering the pens. Employees also conduct regular disease surveillance. The Reynolds pheasant herd is USDA National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified. NPIP is a joint state-federal breeding bird testing and certification program that includes surveillance for AI, pullorosis, typhoid fever, and other infectious diseases.

DEC said it will continue to work with partners in the AGM and USDA to respond quickly and thoroughly to the suspected outbreak.