Impact and Response
The avian flu outbreak led to the culling of Crescent Duck Farm's entire flock, approximately 100,000 ducks, under federal orders, marking a significant blow to 's culinary heritage.
Doug Corwin, the farm's owner, faces the daunting task of sanitizing the facility, a process expected to take months, while also grappling with the future of his family's four-generation business.
Industry and Health Concerns
Crescent Duck Farm, the last of its kind on Long Island, has been pivotal in supplying ducks to high-end restaurants across the Northeast, emphasizing the farm's unique duck genetics that contribute to its meat quality.
The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential for human transmission, although cases are rare. The farm's future hinges on the preservation of its duck genetics and the possibility of obtaining federal approval for poultry vaccination, a contentious issue among larger farms.