The Southampton Town Trustees are actively responding to an increase in deceased waterfowl and seabirds along shorelines within Trustee jurisdiction, associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as Avian Flu (Bird Flu, H5N1), impacting wildlife across New York State.

This situation presents potential health risks to humans, dogs, pets, and other wildlife, particularly through contact with deceased birds and bird excrement. Residents are strongly advised not to handle dead birds and to keep pets away from affected areas.

The Trustees are working in close coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). While municipalities are not required to remove deceased birds and on-site burial is an approved option, the Trustees have determined that a more protective, public health–focused approach is warranted.

We have retained a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, as recommended by NYSDEC, to safely collect and remove deceased birds using State-supported protocols, including proper containment and off-site disposal, to reduce exposure risks and ensure full regulatory compliance.

Due to the scale of this event across beaches, wetlands, and waterways, planning is ongoing. Cleanup efforts are expected to begin shortly, potentially later this week or early next week.

The Trustees’ response is limited to areas within Trustee jurisdiction. Property owners encountering deceased birds on private property should follow NYSDEC guidance.

Residents can find additional information on reporting, handling, and disposal here: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health/animal-diseases or contact NYSDEC directly at 518-402-8883.

Residents are encouraged to report locations of deceased birds within Trustee jurisdiction through Southampton Online Solutions (SOS): https://gis.southamptontownny.gov/sos/

The Trustees are taking a proactive, coordinated approach with State partners to address this situation safely and responsibly, and we ask the public to do the same by avoiding contact and following all guidance.