Bird Flu Outbreak Prompts Euthanization of Over 100,000 Ducks at New York Farm

The Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, New York, will euthanize its entire flock of over 100,000 ducks following a bird flu outbreak, marking a devastating blow to the region’s historic duck farming industry. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was identified after staff noticed unusual behavior among the ducks. The farm, one of Long Island’s last remaining commercial duck farms, has been family-operated since 1908.

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Doug Corwin, the farm’s president, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “It’s my legacy… I just don’t want it to end this way.” Suffolk County Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott confirmed that euthanizing the flock is essential for public safety.

This incident follows a similar bird flu case at a Georgia poultry plant, highlighting the virus’s ongoing impact on U.S. agriculture. The CDC reports that bird flu has affected over 138 million poultry in the U.S. since 2022, driving up egg prices and prompting increased testing and surveillance.

Bird flu, a global concern since 1997, has been linked to human cases and animal fatalities, intensifying efforts to control its spread. As the outbreak continues, the devastation underscores the challenges faced by the poultry industry and its historical communities.

Source: USA Today