Duck viral enteritis (DVE), or duck plague, was confirmed in approximately 15 dead ducks in Onondaga County, New York since Apr. 27, 2018. DVE affects waterfowl species: ducks, geese and swans. It is not a human health risk and is not known to affect poultry.

DVE is caused by a herpesvirus (anatid herpesvirus 1) and is spread through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated water, food or feces. Signs include a bloody vent or bill area, diarrhea, ataxia and inability to fly. Mortality rate can be up to 90%, with many acute deaths before the onset of clinical signs. This virus can persist in the environment for up to 60 days.

The last major mortality event in the U.S. from this virus was in 1994 in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Report unusual waterfowl mortality in New York to the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab.