The Peru Gazette

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) 

Clinton County, March 11, 2025. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) and their local partners are working closely to monitor Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1 or bird flu, in Clinton County and to share educational messages with poultry and dairy farms and workers, health care providers, and the community. 

HPAI has been widespread in the state for several years and is circulating across the country. This strain of influenza virus has spread from wild birds into poultry, dairy cattle, domestic cats and many species of wildlife. Rarely, it has passed to humans who had direct contact with infected birds and mammals, including dairy cows, and caused illness. At this time, there is no evidence that HPAI has spread from person to person in the United States. To date, in New York, there have been no human cases of HPAI and no detections in cattle. 

“HPAI has been present among wild birds in the North Country, in small numbers, since 2022. Clinton County has not seen HPAI cases in domestic poultry, cattle, or other mammals,” explained Director of Public Health Jeffrey Sisson. “While residents may be hearing about HPAI outbreaks in other parts of the state or country, in Clinton County, current activity among wild birds remains within expected levels for our community. The risk to the public is low.” 

In New York, Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are working together to protect the health of people and animals across the State. As part of this response, NYSDEC launched a web-based HPAI reporting tool earlier this year to identify the virus in novel bird species and locations. Residents can report any findings of dead birds, especially multiple birds in one place, using this tool. 

The DEC advises the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected with HPAI. Residents can further minimize the risk of spreading HPAI by preventing contact between sick or dead wildlife and domestic animals. Limit contact with these animals unless necessary, and keep children and pets away. If carcasses need to be removed, use a shovel (if available) and wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection; wash hands and clothing immediately after and triple-bag carcasses and put them in an outdoor trash receptacle. 

Residents that keep backyard poultry flocks can visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry for more information to help prevent the spread of the disease within their flocks. “While our commercial poultry farms have strict biosecurity and monitoring measures in place, we know we have many residents who keep poultry at their homes,” added Mr. Sisson. “These residents should review their biosecurity plans and take “Working Together for a Healthier Community” – 2 – 

precautions to protect their birds, including keeping their flock completely separated from wild birds.” To report sick or dead poultry, call the NYSAGM at (518) 457-3502. 

“Again, the risk to the public right now is low,” emphasized Mr. Sisson. “We want to assure our residents that we are paying close attention to the current situation and will share any updates on the impact to human health as appropriate.” 

For more information about H5N1 avian influenza, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/.