RJ
10-11-2006, 10:29 AM
The NYSDEC and USDA Wildlife Services are working cooperatively to sample 1,600 wild birds for avian influenza in New York State. The samples are to be obtained from many different species of waterfowl, shorebird and gulls. Over 700 wild birds have been sampled throughout New York to date and all have tested negative for any H5N1 avian influenza, which includes both the lethal Asian strain and the low-pathogenic non-lethal strain being found in other states.
The target species for testing on Long Island include migrant Canada Geese, Scaup, and Atlantic Brant. DEC hopes to sample approximately 75 Canada Geese, 75 Greater or Lesser Scaup, and 200 Atlantic Brant from hunter harvested birds on Long Island.
In order to accomplish this goal we are asking for the cooperation and assistance of hunters in helping us obtain samples. To do this the DEC is going to open temporary check stations where hunters can voluntarily participate in sampling. A sample consists of a simple cloacal swab of the bird. The bird must be swabbed within 36 hours of being shot, and should be kept cool but not frozen.
The first in a series of check stations will be set up at West Marina in Point Lookout located in the Town of Hempstead from November Friday 24th through Sunday 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition we will be asking hunters to contact the DEC if they expect to go on a hunt, especially with hunting parties or guides, for scaup, migrant Canada geese and brant. Those interested in helping can contact Greg Gagliano at gsgalia@gw.dec.state.ny.us, (631) 924-3156, or (631) 444-0309 for information, to arrange for sampling, and provide any input on possible dates or locations for check stations. The DEC will be publishing future dates and locations of check stations in the coming months.
The target species for testing on Long Island include migrant Canada Geese, Scaup, and Atlantic Brant. DEC hopes to sample approximately 75 Canada Geese, 75 Greater or Lesser Scaup, and 200 Atlantic Brant from hunter harvested birds on Long Island.
In order to accomplish this goal we are asking for the cooperation and assistance of hunters in helping us obtain samples. To do this the DEC is going to open temporary check stations where hunters can voluntarily participate in sampling. A sample consists of a simple cloacal swab of the bird. The bird must be swabbed within 36 hours of being shot, and should be kept cool but not frozen.
The first in a series of check stations will be set up at West Marina in Point Lookout located in the Town of Hempstead from November Friday 24th through Sunday 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition we will be asking hunters to contact the DEC if they expect to go on a hunt, especially with hunting parties or guides, for scaup, migrant Canada geese and brant. Those interested in helping can contact Greg Gagliano at gsgalia@gw.dec.state.ny.us, (631) 924-3156, or (631) 444-0309 for information, to arrange for sampling, and provide any input on possible dates or locations for check stations. The DEC will be publishing future dates and locations of check stations in the coming months.