New York duck farm to kill flock of 100,000 after bird flu outbreak

long Island Duck Farm Faces Uncertain future After Bird Flu outbreak

A wave of devastation swept across Crescent duck Farm in Aquebogue, New York, as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak forced the heartbreaking euthanasia of nearly 100,000 ducks. This tragedy casts a dark shadow over the iconic Long Island farm, leaving its future hanging precariously in the balance. The rapidly spreading HPAI virus, known to infect humans, pets, and poultry alike, has inflicted a devastating blow upon the once-vibrant duck farming industry.

Doug Corwin, president of Crescent Duck Farm, spoke to Newsday with a heavy heart, expressing his profound sorrow. “You constantly monitor your flock − three times a day. One day things looked unusual. I noticed a few lethargic birds that didn’t seem right. ItS my legacy. I think we’re kind of iconic, considering we are what Long Island was known for. And I just don’t want it to end this way.”

Crescent duck Farm, a cornerstone of Suffolk County’s agricultural landscape, holds the distinction of being the largest commercial duck farm in the region. Holding onto a rich history dating back to 1908,it stood as one of the last remaining duck farms on Long Island. Its closure signifies a profound loss for the area, once renowned for its thriving duck farming industry.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott shed light on the agonizing decision to euthanize the entire flock, stating, “Unluckily, when you have a situation like this where you have a flock that’s infected, the remedy is to put the entire flock down.”

Bird Flu: A Growing Threat to US Poultry and Public Health

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has emerged as a serious threat to both poultry production and public health in the United States. Since late 2021, the highly contagious H5N1 strain has spread rapidly, impacting millions of birds across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 61 confirmed cases of avian influenza in humans as of April 2024, with the first U.S. fatality occurring on January 6, 2025, in Louisiana. This tragic event, involving an individual over 65 with underlying health conditions, underscores the potential severity of the virus.

The economic consequences of bird flu are already being felt. The virus has decimated poultry flocks, leading to widespread quarantines and outbreaks in commercial operations. Georgia, a major poultry producer, recently implemented a quarantine order affecting all commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius of affected farms.

“This is a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry,” stated Tyler Harper, Georgia’s state agriculture commissioner. “We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible.”

These measures,while heartbreaking,are crucial to prevent further spread.

Beyond poultry, concerns extend to othre animal populations. In December 2024, a cat food recall prompted by bird flu contamination led to the death of a cat. Additionally, the USDA initiated nationwide testing of bulk raw milk to address potential outbreaks in dairy herds.

The economic impact is also evident at the consumer level, with egg prices surging due to losses in poultry production.As of January 6, 2025, the virus had impacted over 58 million poultry birds nationwide.

Staying informed and practicing preventative measures are essential. Individuals should avoid contact with sick or dead birds, practice good hygiene, and consult healthcare providers if experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Long Island duck Farm Faces Uncertain Future After Bird Flu Outbreak

A devastating bird flu outbreak has hit Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, New York, forcing the heartbreaking decision to euthanize nearly 100,000 ducks. This beloved family-run farm, a fixture on Long Island since 1908, is now facing an uncertain future. Archyde News spoke with Doug Corwin, the farm’s president, to understand the impact of this tragedy and what lies ahead.

A Legacy in Peril

“It was devastating,” said Corwin, his voice heavy with emotion. “You constantly monitor your flock – three times a day.” He noticed a few ducks acting unusually lethargic, prompting immediate tests that confirmed their worst fears: avian influenza had struck.

For Corwin, the situation is deeply personal. “It’s my legacy,” he shared. “I think we’re kind of iconic, considering we are what Long Island was known for. And I just don’t want it to end this way.”

More Than Just a Business

Crescent Duck Farm is deeply woven into the fabric of its community. As Corwin explained, “This farm is more than just business; it’s part of our history, our identity.We’ve been raising ducks for generations, supplying fresh, local products to the community. We’ve seen families grow up here, have their weddings here even. We’re a part of the fabric of Long Island.

Facing the Unknown

The path forward is unclear for Crescent Duck Farm. “That’s the million-dollar question,” Corwin admitted. “Right now, we’re focusing on taking care of what’s left and coming to terms with the enormity of what we’ve lost. The future is uncertain. Rebuilding a flock takes time, money, and a lot of hope.We want to consider all our options, but it’s going to be a long and difficult road.”

Avian Influenza: A Threat We Can’t Ignore

Concerns about the spread of avian influenza are understandably high. The potential impact on both the poultry industry and public health is a serious issue that demands our attention.

Doug Corwin, a prominent voice in the field, emphasizes the need for collective action. “We all need to stay vigilant,” he urges.”Practice good hygiene, avoid contact with wild birds, and educate yourself about the virus.”

These simple steps are crucial in mitigating the risk. Corwin underscores the gravity of the situation, stating, “This isn’t just about ducks; this is a serious threat to our food supply and our health.”

we must recognize that avian influenza is not a minor concern. It has the potential to disrupt our food systems and pose a critically important risk to our well-being. Corwin’s call to action resonates: “We need to work together to protect ourselves and our livelihoods.”

By staying informed, practicing preventative measures, and working collaboratively, we can collectively reduce the threat of avian influenza.

What are your thoughts on teh larger impact avian influenza is having on farms nationwide, not just Crescent Duck Farm?

Long Island Duck Farm Faces Uncertain Future After Bird flu Outbreak

A Legacy in Peril

“It was devastating,” said Doug Corwin, President of Crescent Duck Farm, his voice heavy with emotion. “You constantly monitor your flock – three times a day.” He noticed a few ducks acting unusually lethargic, prompting immediate tests that confirmed their worst fears: avian influenza had struck.

For Corwin, the situation is deeply personal. “It’s my legacy,” he shared. “I think we’re kind of iconic, considering we are what Long Island was known for. And I just don’t want it to end this way.”

More Than Just A Business

Crescent Duck Farm is deeply woven into the fabric of its community. As Corwin explained, “This farm is more than just business; it’s part of our history, our identity. We’ve been raising ducks for generations, supplying fresh, local products to the community. We’ve seen families grow up here, have their weddings here even. We’re a part of the fabric of Long Island.

Facing the Unknown

The path forward is unclear for Crescent Duck Farm. “That’s the million-dollar question,” Corwin admitted.”right now, we’re focusing on taking care of what’s left and coming to terms with the enormity of what we’ve lost. The future is uncertain. Rebuilding a flock takes time, money, and a lot of hope.We want to consider all our options, but it’s going to be a long and difficult road.”

Avian Influenza: A Threat We Can’t Ignore

Bursting onto the national scene, avian influenza has caused widespread concern. What are your thoughts on the larger impact this is having on farms nationwide, not just Crescent duck Farm?