Dear Friends,
We are writing to inform you that a large number of dead geese have recently been discovered at Georgica Pond.
The incident has been reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and appropriate health authorities. While the specific cause has not yet been confirmed, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu,” is currently present across New York State and is a possible cause.
HPAI is a viral disease that affects wild birds including ducks, geese, gulls, raptors, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. Some infected birds may carry the virus without appearing sick, while others may become ill or die. The virus can also affect certain mammals that scavenge infected birds.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public remains low. Most human cases in the United States have been associated with direct contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle. Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution, we ask all residents to take the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with any sick or dead birds or wildlife.
- Keep children and pets away from affected areas, including the shoreline and pond water, until further notice.
- Prevent domestic animals from coming into contact with sick or dead wildlife.
If you observe additional dead or distressed birds—particularly waterfowl (ducks or geese), gulls, raptors (hawks or eagles), crows, loons, or herons—please report them directly to NYSDEC Region 1 at 631-444-0310 or submit a report through the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form online.
If you must dispose of a dead bird and DEC is not collecting carcasses, please follow these safety guidelines:
- Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
- Avoid direct contact by using a shovel or garbage bag to handle the bird.
- Triple bag the carcass and place it in an outdoor trash receptacle.
- Remove gloves carefully and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wash clothing worn during disposal.
- Disinfect any tools used with hot, soapy water followed by a diluted bleach solution (1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water).
If you encounter a live, sick bird or mammal, contact the DEC or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Do not attempt to handle or transport sick wildlife yourself.
NYSDEC is working with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, the NYS Department of Health, the USDA, and the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab to monitor and track HPAI statewide. Once HPAI is present in wild bird populations, there is unfortunately no effective way to manage it in the wild, and response efforts are guided by the scale and location of outbreaks.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping protect the health of Georgica Pond and our community.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Quarty
Executive Director
Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation