Five birds in Suffolk County, Long Island preliminarily test positive for bird flu

SUFFOLK COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) -- Five wild birds in Suffolk County, Long Island have preliminarily tested positive for bird flu.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says more bird specimens across Long Island are awaiting testing.

The species testing positive include Snow Geese, Buffleheads, and Hooded Mergansers. Additional specimens including crows and various raptors are awaiting confirmation testing, according to the DEC.

Bird to human transmission is rare, but the public is urged to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds or other animals.

Last winter, a Long Island farm was forced to euthanize 100,000 ducks due to a bird flu outbreak.



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