CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — Health officials have issued an update on a potentially concerning situation along the Hudson.
Health officials in Croton-on-Hudson said a number of dead birds have been found by residents on private property and in village parks, over the past few weeks.
Authorities said it is not yet known if these birds had avian influenza, but the Westchester County Deptartment of Health has reported that avian influenza has previously been detected in the county.
“At this time, the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low,” the village said in its latest update. “The spread of avian influenza viruses from one infected person to a close contact is very rare, and when it has happened, it has not led to continued spread among people.
The Westchester County Department of Health offered tips to help keep residents safe:
- Avoid contact with birds that appear sick or have died.
- If you must have direct/close contact with wild birds, sick or dead poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza even if they don’t look sick.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza infection.
- Take precautions to protect yourself during and after spending time in areas with geese and other wild bird droppings.
- Do not drink raw milk or consume unpasteurized dairy products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
Meanwhile, Croton-on-Hudson officials ask that anyone who finds a dead goose or bird in a village park or other village-owned property, contact the Department of Public Works at 914-271-3775 to have it removed.
Those who find a dead bird on private property should dispose of the carcasses in accordance with New York State DEC guidance. Those precautions include wearing disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection; avoiding direct contact with the animal and its fluids; keeping children and pets away, using a shovel, and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple-bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash can.
Dead birds found on private property can be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) via the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form.
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