Ulster County has confirmed its first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), often called bird flu, in a backyard flock of about 50 chickens and ducks. Nearly all died; the last two were euthanized to prevent spread. Officials did not disclose the exact location but emphasized no poultry sales occur on the farm, minimizing risk to the food supply.
Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting wild and domestic birds. Migratory waterfowl often carry the virus without symptoms, spreading it through contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids. Although H5N1 can infect people and other animals, human cases are rare and usually involve direct contact with infected birds. Current evidence suggests no human-to-human transmission, unlike the Covid-19 coronavirus which likely was engineered in a lab to be highly contagious between humans.
Ulster County is monitoring everyone who interacted with the flock. Those working with poultry are urged to use personal protective equipment. Since 2022, millions of birds have been culled nationwide due to avian flu, driving up egg prices. In New York alone, about 127,000 birds have been lost; however, no human or pet infections have been reported.
Residents should avoid handling sick or dead birds, keep pets away from wildlife, and report unusual die-offs to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets at (518) 457-3502 or the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Join the family! 
