Save The Great South Bay (SGSB) encourages residents to report bird carcasses, especially those found along our shoreline, to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) at https://tinyurl.com/yk3pwtsm.
Encountering Dead Birds Along Creeks
During our clean-ups, volunteers have encountered numerous dead birds and mammals on the shorelines. To help protect public health, SGSB is sharing NYSDEC’s guidance on preventing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “recent HPAI detection in birds poses a low risk to the public,” the virus can spread to mammals, including humans.
The first reported case of HPAI in New York State occurred in a backyard poultry flock in Suffolk County in February 2022. Since then, concerns have grown. Recent anecdotal evidence—such as the culling of 100,000 birds on a Long Island farm to prevent an outbreak—along with reports from our volunteers, highlight the need for continued vigilance.
What You Can Do:
- Avoid Contact: If you encounter a dead bird or mammal (including raccoons, foxes, deer, and possums), do not touch it. Instead, report it using the NYSDEC form.
- Leash Pets: Keep pets on a leash, especially during shoreline walks, to prevent exposure.
- Spread Awareness: Educate others on the risks and importance of reporting wildlife carcasses.
Environmental Connection: Habitat Loss & Public Health
The degradation of natural habitats—such as wetlands and forests—can increase public health risks by disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. This disruption may contribute to the emergence of new diseases. Save The Great South Bay remains committed to protecting our environment and keeping the public informed of potential health concerns. Together, we can help safeguard our waterways, wildlife, and communities.
Save The Great South Bay is a 501(c)3 environmental non-profit whose mission is to restore and protect water quality in the Great South Bay. We achieve this through four primary programs: the Great South Bay Oyster Project, the Creek Defender Program, Bay Friendly Yards/Habitat Restoration, public education and advocacy. Learn more at www.savethegreatsouthbay.org