Westchester County Update on Bird Flu: Residents Should Take Precautions
By Catherine Cioffi, Communications Director, Office of Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins
Feb. 3, 2025: Although the risk of avian flu remains low and no human cases of H5N1 have been identified in New York State, the Westchester County Health Department urges residents to take precautions.
Avoid contact with wild birds and any birds that appear sick or have died. Refrain from touching surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from wild or domestic birds. Additionally, do not consume raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “While there are no cases here in Westchester County, we must still be vigilant. Avian flu remains a concern, and taking preventive steps—such as avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and following proper hygiene practices—helps protect both public health and our local wildlife.”
If a dead bird is found on a property, it should be disposed of in accordance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidance. Proper precautions include wearing disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
Avoid direct contact with the animal and its fluids; keep children and pets away, use a shovel, and wash hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple-bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash can.
Amler said: “The virus can be airborne, and you don’t want it getting in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Always wash your hands and clothing with soap and water after disposing of a dead bird.”
Amler also advised residents to keep their pets away from sick or dead birds and not to directly touch any sick or dying animal.
In cases where multiple dead birds are observed in a single location, it is recommended to report the incident to the DEC. More information about wildlife health is available at the NYSDEC Wildlife Health webpage.
Avian Influenza Resources:
Centers for Disease Control
New York State Department of Health
USDA
American Veterinary Medical Association
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
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Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
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Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
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Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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