Long Island’s Last Duck Farm Faces Existential Crisis Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Long Island’s oldest and last large commercial duck farm, Crescent Duck Farm, is battling for survival after confirming a devastating case of bird flu at its Aquebogue facility. The outbreak has forced the euthanization of its entire flock of approximately 99,000 birds, leaving the future of this historic farm in jeopardy.
Doug Corwin,president of the family-owned farm,described the situation as “gut-wrenching.” Established in 1908, Crescent Duck Farm has been a cornerstone of Long Island’s agricultural heritage, once renowned globally for its ducks. Now, Corwin is left wondering if this marks the end of an era.
The Outbreak and Its Immediate Impact
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The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), a highly contagious and often deadly respiratory disease in poultry, was detected last week. Corwin frist noticed a few lethargic ducks during routine monitoring. “You constantly monitor your flock—three times a day,” he said. “One day things looked unusual.”
A cornell University veterinarian was called in, and samples confirmed the presence of H5N1. “It’s a reportable disease, and I knew sadly what it was going too be,” Corwin said. The diagnosis halted all operations, leading to the immediate layoff of 47 out of 75 employees. “There were a lot of tears. It was very rough,” he added.
A farm in Quarantine
the farm is now under strict quarantine, with state and federal agricultural workers on-site to manage the crisis. “The sanitation level in here is like going into an emergency room in a hospital,” Corwin explained. Workers must wear Tyvek suits, sanitized boots, and gloves, with rigorous protocols for entering and leaving the property.
The Suffolk county Department of Health Services is testing workers, though no signs of illness have been reported. The farm is being overseen by the Veterinary Service of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, with additional support from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health inspection Service.
Economic and Emotional Toll
The financial impact has been catastrophic. Corwin’s revenue stream has dropped to zero, forcing him to rely on reserves and consider selling land to stay afloat. “My income stream is done right now,” he said. “I’ve got to rely on reserves.”
The emotional toll is equally profound. Many of the laid-off workers had been with the company for decades, some for over 30 years. “I talked to all my employees late Thursday, after I got my notice,” Corwin recalled. ”What a time after that—the cries, the hugs.”
A Broader Crisis
This outbreak is part of a larger national issue. Since January 2022, more than 136 million birds have been affected by bird flu across the United States. In Suffolk County alone, the virus has been detected in backyard flocks, commercial operations, and wild birds in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
While there have been no reported human cases in New York, the World Health Organization has documented at least 950 human cases globally, with a mortality rate of about 50%.
A glimmer of Hope
Despite the grim circumstances, corwin is holding onto hope. The farm’s eggs, which contain the genetic lineage of its ducks, may offer a path to recovery. “Eggs hold hope of saving genetics,” he said, though the road ahead remains uncertain.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| farm | crescent Duck Farm, Aquebogue, Long Island |
| Established | 1908 |
| Flock Size | 99,000 birds |
| Outbreak | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) |
| Human Cases in NY | None reported |
| National Impact | Over 136 million birds affected since January 2022 |
| Workers Laid off | 47 out of 75 |
The Future of Long Island Duck
As the euthanization process continues, the question looms: Is this the end of Long Island duck? “I don’t know. It could be,” Corwin said. For now, the farm’s legacy hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the fragility of agricultural traditions in the face of modern challenges.
For more facts on the bird flu outbreak and its impact on Long Island, visit Newsday.
Long Island Duck Farm Faces Crisis Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
For corwin, the owner of a Long Island duck farm, the fight to save his business hinges on a single hope: a special state permit to restart his flock from 10,000 eggs currently under quarantine. The genetics of his ducks, carefully preserved over generations, are the cornerstone of his operation. But the road to recovery is fraught with challenges.
“They’re going to have to be sanitized in chlorine and sent off in a sanitized truck to another hatchery to hatch,” Corwin explained. “We’re hoping to start that process in a week or so,” he added, provided the eggs pass all inspections and the farm is fully sanitized. “We might be able to preserve our genetics.”
This isn’t the first time Corwin’s farm, Crescent, has faced a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business suffered layoffs and sharp declines. Yet, Corwin insists, “this is different. This is sadder than COVID.”
The Threat of Bird Flu
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is highly contagious among poultry. While Corwin notes it’s “a very easy virus to kill,” its rapid spread has devastated his flock. He has been advocating for federal regulators to approve a vaccine to inoculate ducks against the virus,but so far,no such approval has been granted.
For now, Corwin’s focus is on sanitizing the farm and ensuring it meets inspection standards. If approved, rebuilding the operation from scratch will take three years. “It’s not going to be easy,” he admitted. “I’m going to have to learn to cut every cost I have. Do we want to? Is the help still available? My people are long-term people, and there are a lot of skills here that are going to be lost.”
A Legacy at Stake
Corwin’s farm is more than just a business—it’s a piece of Long island’s heritage. “I hope that we can preserve something that I think is unique to Long Island,” he said. “It’s going to be very tough,and I’m hoping for the public’s sympathy and not the public’s fear.”
At 66,Corwin remains steadfast. “I’m 66 and full of energy,” he said. “I’d hate to see the only Long Island duck be the ones who play baseball.” Reflecting on his life’s work, he added, “This isn’t my job, it’s my life. It’s 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.”
Key Challenges and Timeline
| Challenge | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Sanitization | Eggs must be sanitized in chlorine and transported in a sanitized truck. |
| inspections | Eggs and farm must pass rigorous inspections before hatching can begin. |
| Rebuilding Timeline | Rebuilding the farm from scratch will take three years. |
| Vaccine Advocacy | Corwin is pushing for federal approval of a bird flu vaccine for ducks. |
Corwin’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. As he works to save his farm, he hopes the public will rally behind him to preserve a piece of Long Island’s history.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Long and uncertain. Here’s a summarized breakdown of the situation:
- Farm Details:
– Name: Crescent Duck Farm, Aquebogue, long Island
– Established: 1908
- Flock Size: 99,000 birds
– Outbreak: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) detected in late March 2023
- Impact:
– 47 out of 75 employees laid off due to the temporary halt of operations
- Corwin’s revenue stream has stopped, forcing him to rely on reserves and consider selling land
– The emotional toll is profound, as many laid-off workers had been with the company for decades
- National and Global Context:
– Since January 2022, over 136 million birds have been affected by bird flu across the U.S.
– As of now, there are no reported human cases in New York, but globally, the World health Association has documented at least 950 human cases with a mortality rate of about 50%
- Response:
– The farm is under strict quarantine with rigorous protocols for entering and leaving the property
– Workers must wear protective attire, and the Suffolk County department of Health Services is testing workers
– The Veterinary Service of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, along with the USDA’s animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, are overseeing the crisis management
- Hope for Recovery:
– Corwin holds hope in the farm’s eggs, which contain the genetic lineage of its ducks, as a potential path to recovery
– He awaits a special state permit to restart his flock from 10,000 eggs currently under quarantine
- future Uncertain:
– Corwin is unsure if this is the end of Long Island duck, as the farm’s legacy hangs in the balance
– The road to recovery is long and uncertain, with the euthanization process still ongoing
For more facts on the bird flu outbreak and its impact on Long Island, visit Newsday.
