Avian flu has been confirmed in Madison County, that county’s health department reports.
The positive case of avian flu, also known as H5N1, was found in a backyard poultry flock that housed about 15 ducks and geese. Madison County Public Health said any remaining birds will be euthanized in order to prevent further spread, as recommended by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Contact with the birds was limited to the owners, who will be monitored by the health department for 10 days.
People working with animals should wash their hands thoroughly, avoid touching their face, and consider wearing personal protective equipment, health officials advised. People are also advised not to consume raw milk or raw milk products, and to keep pets away from dead birds or animals.
“All residents should avoid handling a wild or domestic sick or dead bird. Individuals who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for bird flu,” said Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst.
If you have questions or are concerned about a possible exposure, call Madison County Public Health at 315-366-2361 option 2.
Any birds demonstrating severe or unexplained illness, or die-offs in backyard poultry, should be reported to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502, or a local veterinarian. Dead wild birds should be reported to the state Department of Environmental Conservation at: https://tinyurl.com/5dczdumn.
Bird flu has been the main cause of of rising egg prices nationally – the highly contagious virus has affected nearly 100 million egg-laying hens in the U.S. since 2022. Trying to slow the spread of the virus has meant 156 million chickens have been destroyed.
New York began 2025 with an increase in H5N1 cases, found in nearly 40 wild birds in the year’s first five weeks, Cornell Wildlife Health Lab reports. But it was found in seven birds in and near New York this week, prompting the state to shut down all the live chicken markets in and around New York City.
On Jan. 30, the Yates and Ontario County health departments announced that testing for H5N1 is underway following the discovery of 50 dead geese on the west side of Seneca Lake.
— Hailea Potter
