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Wildlife officials are looking into a report of 20 dead ducks, geese and seagulls on a community beach in East Patchogue where the bird flu was previously detected, the state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed on Thursday.
“The public should strongly consider that groups of birds found deceased are HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) positive and should follow CDC safety protocols to reduce contact,” the DEC said in a statement to Greater Long Island.
The DEC was notified by a resident of the Patchogue Shores neighborhood. Separately, Greater Long Island has been made aware of five dead black birds seen under the train testle in East Islip earlier this week
Such sightings are part of a region-wide increase in reports of dead birds, according to the DEC.
Moreover, the New York State Cooperative Wildlife Health Program (WHP) is monitoring the occurrence and impact of the bird flu across the state. So far in 2025, initial test results from Cornell University’s Wildlife Health Laboratory are presumptive positive for 128 birds in 37 New York counties.
“These only represent cases brought to DEC’s attention and collected by DEC staff,” the DEC said in its statement. “The number of dead birds statewide is much higher, and testing is case specific.”
Bird flu forced Long Island farm to euthanize nearly 100,000 ducks
“HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal,” the DEC said. “The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds.
“In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. ”
HPAI has hit hard on Long Island. Last month, Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue — the last large commercial duck operation on Long Island — was forced to cull 99,000 ducks due to a bird flu outbreak among its flock. The measure has the farm struggling to remain in business.
You can click here to report observations of dead birds to the DEC.
The DEC advises that carcasses should be triple bagged in garbage or contractor bags, and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
People remain at low risk of falling ill to HPAI, despite the widespread prevalence in birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Confirmed avian flu cases are listed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA )website and shown on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map.
