Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) FAQs

Where do I report sick or dead birds (non-wild)?

Report to either:

1. Your local Cooperative Extension Office:https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/local-offices
1. In Ulster County, you can contact the livestock and natural resources educator atsh2234@cornell.eduor 845-340-3990 Ext 329
2. NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets: 518-457-3502
3. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): 866-536-7593

Where do I report sick or dead wild birds?

Report to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC):https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html

In Ulster County, you can call DEC’s wildlife office at 845-256-3098

How do I keep my flock safe?

For more information on keeping your flock safe and for general tips on implementing biosecurity measures for small and backyard flocks, visit the USDA-APHIS Defend the Flock web page:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources

What if I have pastured poultry?

For small, pastured producers, they should take precautions such as not letting poultry on ground frequented by flocks of wild birds, especially waterfowl. If they’re concerned about the status of their environment before putting the birds on pasture, they can take an environmental swab of their premise prior to population. This isn’t 100% but can help with evaluating the risk. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension, NY Department of Agriculture and Markets or United States Department of Agriculture for more information on testing.

What disinfectants should I use?

Over 200 disinfectants can be used against HPAI on hard, non-porous surfaces.

More information about using disinfectants against HPAI can be found here:https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/antimicrobial-products-registered-disinfection-use-against-avian-influenza

The list of registered products can be found here:https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-m-registered-antimicrobial-products-label-claims-avian-influenza

I want to stay updated on poultry health alerts.

Bookmark this webpage:https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry

I want to see current detections of HPAI in wild birds, commercial flocks, and backyard flocks.

Visit this webpage:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai

I want to know more about HPAI.

Visit this webpage:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/ai

How are raptors affected by this virus?

Watch this webinar (by the University of Minnesota on 2/28/22) to learn more about raptors and HPAI: https://mediaspace.umn.edu/media/t/1_n0drrg4i

What if I want to get chicks?

Check out the NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Program). There are many hatcheries that participate in this program, which tests against poultry diseases, including Avian Influenza. Participating hatcheries also have biosecurity measures in place to help mitigate the risk of disease on their farms, which means a lower risk to you if you’re buying chicks in. If you aren’t sure if the hatchery you source from is NPIP certified, you can use this NPIP Participants States page to search for them (the map is clickable).http://www.poultryimprovement.org/statesContent.cfm. The New York specific hatchery page can be found here:http://www.poultryimprovement.org/documents/ny.pdf