Avian Flu Kills Birds Along Seneca Lake Shoreline

New York environmental officials confirm the deaths were caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reported that multiple dead birds found along the shoreline of Seneca Lake died from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The carcasses were sent to Cornell University for testing, where the virus was confirmed. DEC officials say the virus has been affecting wild bird populations in the Finger Lakes region for several years.

Why it matters

Avian influenza outbreaks can have significant impacts on wild bird populations and pose risks to domestic poultry. While the risk to humans remains low, the DEC is urging residents to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and to report any sightings to help monitor the spread of the virus.

The details

As ice melted and temperatures warmed, reports of bird carcasses along the Seneca Lake shoreline increased. The carcasses were sent to Cornell University, where testing confirmed the birds died from HPAI. DEC officials say the prolonged cold and extensive ice coverage this winter reduced the amount of open water available for birds, forcing flocks into tighter spaces and increasing the likelihood of the virus spreading.

  • In recent weeks, reports of dead birds along the Seneca Lake shoreline increased as ice melted and temperatures warmed.
  • The carcasses were sent to Cornell University for testing, where the HPAI virus was confirmed.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The state agency that oversees environmental and wildlife issues in New York.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

The veterinary school at Cornell University that conducted testing on the bird carcasses and confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus.

Jessica Haggerty

A spokesperson for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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What they’re saying

“No one in New York State has come down with avian influenza from contact with wild birds.”

— Jessica Haggerty, DEC spokesperson

“If the bird is dead, there's very little chance that you will be infected from that bird, especially if you're outdoors and not handling it.”

— Jessica Haggerty, DEC spokesperson

What’s next

The DEC is encouraging residents to report any sightings of sick or deceased waterfowl through the agency's online avian influenza reporting form or by contacting regional offices.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the ongoing threat of avian influenza to wild bird populations in the Finger Lakes region. While the risk to humans remains low, the DEC is urging caution and vigilance to help monitor and contain the spread of the virus.