The Impact of H5N1 on Long Island's Historic Duck Farm and Its Legacy

In the historic cemetery of Aquebogue, Long Island, seven generations of the Corwin family are laid to rest, their graves overlooking the family farm that has stood since the 1640s. Doug Corwin recalls that the tradition of adorning tombstones with ducks likely originated with his grandfather, who first introduced them to the family’s legacy of duck raising in 1908. However, this proud heritage faced a grave challenge recently when Crescent Duck Farm, the last remaining duck farm on Long Island, was forced to cease operations due to a bird flu outbreak that rendered its flock sick.

Corwin noticed alarming changes in the health of his ducks, which prompted immediate action as agricultural authorities intervened. With the assistance of personnel in biohazard suits, the farm experienced the staggering loss of 100,000 ducks as part of a widespread effort to control the H5N1 virus. This strain of bird flu first arrived in the United States in 2022 and has led to the euthanasia of more than 148 million birds nationwide as officials work to contain its spread.

Jodie Guest, an epidemiology professor, emphasized that this containment approach has been a longstanding policy of the USDA. Despite these efforts, H5N1 has reportedly spread to all 50 states and is showing signs of transmission to mammals, raising concerns among health experts. In less than a year, the cases of human infection have surged from one to 67, with only mild symptoms reported thus far, primarily among workers in related industries. Guest reassures that the risk of a pandemic remains low as there has been no observed human-to-human transmission.

The situation has intensified discussions surrounding the poultry industry, especially regarding the consequences of mass culling on egg prices and availability. The politicization of these actions was evident when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed to the administration’s directives as a cause for the subsequent chicken and egg shortages, although similar policies were also enacted during the previous administration.

Doug Corwin advocates for a vaccination program as a potential solution to prevent further devastation. However, implementing such a program poses challenges since it could jeopardize the U.S. poultry exports ban on vaccinated birds. As Corwin grapples with his farm's losses and the prospect of layoffs for nearly 50 employees, he reflects on the profound emotional toll of this crisis. He compares the grief of losing his ducks to the loss of his parents, illustrating the deep connection he feels to his family’s legacy and the land they have nurtured for generations.