Wampsville, New York — Officials announced on Wednesday that a bird from a backyard poultry flock in Madison County has tested positive for avian influenza.

To curb the risk of transmission, approximately 15 ducks and geese from the affected flock will be humanely euthanized, as stated by county spokesperson Samantha Field.

Field also noted that the owners had limited interaction with the birds and will be under observation for any symptoms for 10 days following their last exposure.

This latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) began in 2022 and has impacted over 150 million birds nationwide, including in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Recently, HPAI is believed to be responsible for the deaths of numerous geese found near Otisco Lake and Seneca River.

So far this year, Onondaga County has reported six confirmed cases of avian flu, as per USDA data.

New York is one of 13 states experiencing significant outbreaks of HPAI, which have led to extensive culling measures.

In response to the situation, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has launched a new platform for reporting suspected HPAI cases in wild birds. They are particularly interested in reports of sick or deceased waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds including gulls, loons, and herons.

The DEC advises the public to avoid contact with deceased wildlife and to keep domestic animals away from carcasses.

Staff writer Jon Moss reports on breaking news, crime, and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or follow him on Twitter at @mossjon7.