A worrisome situation has arisen in the beachside community of Patchogue Shores in East Patchogue, Suffolk County, as dozens of dead birds have been discovered along the shore and in backyards. Concerns have been raised as officials suspect that these birds may have succumbed to avian flu, prompting the community to take precautions.
Tim Jones, the vice president of the Patchogue Shores association, was taking a leisurely stroll along the private community beach with his family when he stumbled upon a distressing sight. “I saw three seagulls, a cormorant, and I got a count of 11 ducks,” shared Jones. The discovery of these deceased birds sparked alarm within the tight-knit community.
NBC New York joined Jones as he ventured along the beach, only to encounter more unsettling scenes. A dead gull and a deceased goose were found, with various smaller birds scattered across the sandy expanse. This grim spectacle prompted Jones to reach out to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for guidance and assistance.
The DEC swiftly responded to Jones’s concerns, attributing the bird deaths to avian flu based on previous cases in Suffolk County and Nassau County. Citing the potential risks associated with the avian flu, officials advised the community to close the beach to prevent any contact with the deceased birds. While the likelihood of bird-to-human transmission remains low, the DEC highlighted the various modes of transmission, including direct contact, airborne particles, and consumption of contaminated food products.
Recent reports of bird flu detection at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue have further fueled concerns among residents. The farm’s owner was compelled to euthanize nearly 100,000 ducks in response to the outbreak. These developments have left Patchogue Shores residents apprehensive and cautious, opting to steer clear of the beach until the situation is resolved.
Janet Bondy, a resident of Patchogue Shores, expressed her unease over the unfolding events, stating, “It’s very frightening, obviously, and I’m not quite sure what we can do about it at this point, other than to stay away.” The sentiment was echoed by Jones, who lamented the impact of the situation on the community’s cherished beach. “It’s upsetting because people enjoy this. This is the one place where everybody who lives here enjoys, it’s something to have special, private, and it’s sad,” he remarked.
As the DEC continues to investigate the influx of dead birds along the shore, they are considering collecting bird specimens for further testing. The agency speculated that wind patterns may have contributed to the birds’ arrival on the beach, underscoring the need for a thorough assessment of the situation.
In the midst of uncertainty and concern, the residents of Patchogue Shores are left grappling with the implications of the avian flu outbreak. The community’s shared sense of unease underscores the importance of vigilance and precaution in safeguarding against potential health risks. As authorities work towards addressing the situation, residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow them to once again enjoy the tranquility of their beloved beach.
