LIVMA

Our Mission

The mission of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association is to promote the following:

The advancement and promotion of veterinary medicine.

Protection of the public health.

Elevation of integrity, honor, and maintain ethical standards.

The cooperative protection
of its members.

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Bird Flu On Long Island

Date: March 1, 2025

     The New York State Governor recently closed live bird markets for one week in Long Island, New York City, and Westchester, after discovering seven cases of bird flu were found in these markets. This order called for all infected flocks to be depopulated, for the markets to sell down all inventory, and for the complete disinfection of all affected markets. Ducks at the Queens and Bronx zoos
also recently died from bird flu.
     The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, more commonly known as bird flu, is a disease that spreads primarily through birds and other animals, such as cows. It can also spread to humans through infected animals and can cause severe illness, but it is unlikely to spread from human to human. Bird flu affects the animal’s intestines and respiratory tract and it can spread it
through their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Bird flu is a very sickening and potentially deadly disease that is detrimental to
wildlife and poultry markets when outbreaks occur.
     This outbreak has raised many concerns, one of which is within Long Island’s duck population. In late January, a bird flu outbreak
occurred on the last duck farm in Long Island, Crescent Duck Farm. The future of the farm became uncertain as it forced the
culling of nearly 100,000 of their prized ducks. They supply duck meat to restaurants across the Northeast, but with the threats of
bird flu, they had to lay off workers and work hard to preserve the genetics of these ducks.
     Similarly, the outbreak in the live bird markets caused major losses in money for the workers. Though necessary to clean the
markets of the disease, it is a challenge to overcome that can affect buyers as well with the possible increases in costs for chickens to
make up for the loss. This in turn affects egg prices, which have been steadily on the rise.
     Backyard farmers also need to be concerned because their animals could come in contact with infected birds or surfaces while
outside. It is vital for these farmers, as well as all people who work with birds, to test poultry samples routinely for bird flu and to pay
attention to any symptoms of bird flu in their animals.
     Symptoms include low energy or appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing.
     The virus can sometimes jump to other species including pets. The AVMA reports at least 52 domesticated cats have been diag-
nosed with bird flu, since March 2024. While outdoor cats on U.S. dairy farms have been infected with bird flu, there are no reports yet of indoor cats getting infected. There are however a few confirmed cases of cats getting sick that have been linked to the cats’ diet—specifically, contaminated raw food and raw milk.
     For indoor cats the risk of contracting bird flu is low, however, if a cat displays symptoms of the flu it is a medical emergency and
affected pets must get emergency veterinary care. There is not much that can be done once bird flu is contracted and it is very deadly when it spreads, which is why it is crucial to test and watch for signs. People who come in contact with sick or dead animals who may have bird flu are encouraged to wear respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling these animals.
     Though bird flu does not pose a major threat to humans, there have been 67 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the US. This
is most common with farmworkers. There was only one death in Louisiana where a 65+ year old who had underlying health issues had been in contact with their sick and dead backyard flock.
     Humans, especially farmers and people who work with poultry, should take proper precautions to prevent being infected by the
disease.
     With bird flu currently threatening the poultry industry across Long Island and New York it is important to take precautions to try
to prevent any further spread of bird flu.

Sources:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Suffolk County Department of Health

Bird Flu At LI Duck Farm

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News & Events

LIVMA Honored by Nassau Legislators at
2024 Member Awards & Scholarship Dinner

Nassau Legislators John J. Giuffrè and C. William Gaylor III, join NY State Senator Steven D. Rhoads in thanking this year’s honorees and congratulating our scholarship winners.

Click here for more photos from the evening.

Our Annual Supporters

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2024 LIVMA Member By-Town Directory