Sen. Schumer calls on USDA to watch, stop avian bird flu cases

NEW YORK STATE (WRGB) — Senator Chuck Schumer said avian bird-flu was discovered in a small flock of birds in the eastern end of Long Island.

Earlier this week, more than 50,000 birds were ordered to be killed in Illinois and Indiana - at least 18 farms in southern Indiana were put under quarantine.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets said the New York case was found among eight birds that were part of a non-commercial backyard flock.

Schumer told the US Department of Agriculture to watch it closely and nip this in the bud.

“They should make sure that it doesn't spread. They should spread the word on education, isolate this flock that has it, and make sure it doesn't happen. It could become very dangerous. We're not at that point now. But that's why we need early vigilance right away."

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Health officials say no human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the U.S. - and the disease doesn't present an immediate public health concern.