In a concerning development, bird flu has been detected in several birds found in parks and green spaces across New York City. Health officials are growing increasingly worried about the spread of the disease and are urging New Yorkers to maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

According to Philip Meade, a postdoctoral fellow at Icahn School of Medicine, bird flu has been found in various species including geese, a peregrine falcon, a red-tailed hawk, and even a chicken in Manhattan's Marcus Garvey Park. Despite these findings, Meade emphasized that the chances of contracting bird flu by simply passing by an infected bird are extremely low.

Since 2022, there have been two recorded cases of humans contracting bird flu in the United States. One case was reported in Texas earlier this month, where the infected patient had close contact with dairy cows presumably infected with the H5N1 virus. The other case involved a poultry worker in Colorado who also tested positive for the virus in 2022. Fortunately, both cases were classified as mild, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of bird flu.

To prevent further spread of the disease, health officials are advising the public to limit contact with wildlife, especially sick or dead birds. If anyone encounters sick or deceased aquatic birds or raptors, they are urged to report the sightings to the state Department of Environmental Conservation at (718) 482-4922 or (518) 478-2203. For sick or dead chickens or poultry, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets can be contacted at (518) 457-3502. If a group of 10 or more dead birds is observed together, residents are advised to call 311.

As the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, it is essential that New Yorkers remain vigilant and follow the necessary precautions to minimize their risk of exposure to bird flu. Ultimately, it is crucial for public health and safety to prioritize limiting contact with wildlife until the situation is under control.