Over 100,000 Ducks to Be Euthanized at New York Farm Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

This week shows bad news for poultry producers as bird flu broke out in Long Island New York and Georgia. HPAI continues to pose a serious risk that severely affects farming communities across industries.

Long Island Duck Farm Faces Heartbreaking Loss

Bird flu hit the iconic Crescent Duck Farm at Aquebogue in New York. Officials will put down 100,000 ducks to prevent further viral spread. As the second oldest commercial duck farm in operation on Long Island since 1908 this family business has preserved its place among the few remaining specialized operators active in duck farming.

Over 100,000 ducks at New York farm affected by bird flu outbreak
Owner Doug Corwin became very emotional after hearing of the flu. AP

Doug Corwin

Crescent Duck Farm President

You constantly monitor your flock − three times a day. One day things looked unusual. I noticed a few lethargic birds that didn’t seem right, It’s my legacy. I think we’re kind of iconic, considering we are what Long Island was known for. And I just don’t want it to end this way.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott explained the difficult but necessary measure:

Unfortunately, when you have a situation like this where you have a flock that’s infected, the remedy is to put the entire flock down.

Georgia Poultry Plant Also Affected

HPAI causes problems in regions outside Long Island too. This week a commercial poultry processing plant in Elbert County reported an avian influenza positive test result. The recent outbreak represents the fifth case found in the state and the first discovered in a business sector. Officials have taken two actions: they sealed off all commercial poultry facilities in a 6.2-mile area and banned all state poultry shows and trade events.

As the agriculture commissioner Tyler Harper calls HPAI a major problem for the number one poultry industry in Georgia that puts 1000s of local residents at risk for their livelihood. Our team is working day and night to contain the further spread of the disease so normal poultry operations in Georgia can return safely.

The Wider Context of Bird Flu

Bird flu especially H5N1 has been a worldwide threat for multiple years now. The epidemic targets wild birds mostly but now strikes domestic poultry systems and rarely spreads to people. Since its appearance in Europe the H5N1 virus has caused the biggest avian flu epidemic ever recorded and continues to move between continents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records since April 2024 there have been 61 confirmed H5 bird flu infections in humans across the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • Poultry farming remains under constant danger from bird flu.
  • Strong biological security steps help stop the virus from spreading.
  • Outbreaks in farms create severe damage to local farm communities. B
  • ut rare human infection cases make it necessary for us to stay updated.

This newsletter reminds everyone to stay alert and take preventive steps to protect farm animals and farmers.

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