ALBANY, NY (WENY) -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed that dead birds from a community along Seneca Lake have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.

The state agency responded to an inquiry from WENY News, after the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association sent a newsletter, stating that dead snow geese tested for bird flu came back positive.

The organization said the dead birds were collected from an area on Romulus, Seneca County known as Lakeshore Landing. The geese carcasses were collected by the DEC on January 10th, and later sent for testing at Cornell University's Wildlife Health Lab for HPAI. Test results confirmed the presence of bird flu in the dead geese. The DEC's field response is guided by details in the report, including the number of sick dead birds, species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented, according to the agency.

The DEC said test results from birds on Onondaga and Seneca Lakes are still pending. The agency has launched an online platform for the public to report suspected bird flu outbreaks in wild birds, as part of state efforts to monitor the virus.

The first confirmed case of bird flu was found in Suffolk County in 2022, in a backyard poultry flock. The DEC states that currently, bird flu has been detected across the country, including much of New York state. 

Earlier this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state is encouraging organizations in contact with wild birds to remain vigilant for signs of illness in their domestic animals. 

“At my direction, New York State is continuing to monitor for HPAI and take proactive measures to keep our communities safe,” Gov. Hochul said. “While the risk to public health remains low, I encourage all New Yorkers, especially individuals frequently in contact with poultry and wild birds, to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect our state.”

Bird flu is carried by free-flying waterfowl and other birds, and can infect domestic poultry. The virus is highly contagious between birds, but is difficult to transmit to humans

According to the DEC, once avian influenza is "on the landscape" there is no way to effectively manage the disease in wild birds.

Bird flu is contributing to rising egg prices, as it wipes out poultry flocks across the country. The USDA predicts egg prices will jump another 20% in 2025. 

The NYS DEC has a website for information on Avian Influenza, along with other wildlife animal diseases here.