Ducks, Geese Sickened By Fungus In NY

A warning has been issued to citizens in New York by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation not to feed geese or ducks. A fungus, Aspergillosis, has sickened and killed at least a dozen of these birds on a northern New York pond.

Albany, NY - The pond, located in Clinton County, is where the sick birds were found. Some had already perished, but others were disoriented and unable to fly, and are expected to die. Tests determined that the birds were infected with a fungus, Aspergillosis. The fungus is picked up by birds eating moldy grains, bread or even livestock feed. The fungus grows in their lungs and air sacs, which initiates respiratory distress then suffocation. The fungus is said to be able to cause 'large-scale die-offs' but is not otherwise contagious and there are no health risks to humans. Authorities are asking that anyone finding sick or deceased waterfowl to call their local NYS Department of Environmental conservation so the deaths can be documented..