ALBANY – A highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu has been confirmed in Orange County. The virus is currently spreading through New York’s wildlife, affecting waterfowl, raptors, and mammals like skunks. Humans are largely unaffected by this, according to Haley Motola, an epidemiologist with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.
“Bird flu, though thankfully, there is very, very little history of transmission to people. Usually, that has come from people who are working closely with animals that are infected. Right now, it’s nothing that is of a high concern.”
She says the symptoms are obvious.
“In poultry, specifically in birds, you’re looking for a decreased egg laying production—again, that conjunctivitis, just generally being unwell. The same with dairy cows; it’s going to be a lack of or a drop in milk production.”
People who like to feed wild birds, common sense handwashing will do the trick.
“But there really isn’t a lot—lower risk with birds that frequent bird feeders.”
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