Long Island Duck Farm Rebuilds After Devastating Avian Flu Outbreak

AQUEBOGUE, N.Y. – Crescent Duck Farm,the final duck farm on Long Island,is cautiously rebuilding its flock after a devastating avian flu outbreak earlier this year forced the culling of its entire stock. Doug Corwin, a fourth-generation farmer, is resolute to revive the century-old farm, even as the threat of future outbreaks looms large.

The Impact of Avian flu on Crescent Duck Farm

In january 2025, Doug Corwin discovered a troubling sign: numerous dead and lethargic ducks.Within days, crescent Duck Farm became another casualty of the global avian flu outbreak, contributing to rising prices for eggs and other agricultural commodities. The farm, a Long Island institution synonymous with duck delicacies, faced an uncertain future.

Did you No? The H5N1 strain of avian flu has been detected in all 50 U.S. states as 2022, impacting nearly 175 million birds across more than 1,700 recorded outbreaks, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rebuilding the Flock and Preserving a Legacy

Corwin,66,is focused on more than just restoring the farm to its former 100,000-bird capacity. He is dedicated to preserving the unique genetic lineage of ducks that has allowed his family’s farm to thrive for over a century. These ducks are descendants of eggs spared from the culling, ensuring the continuation of the farm’s legacy.

The rebuilding process involves thorough sanitization of the farm’s barns, replacing equipment, and carefully raising new ducklings in quarantine. The first wave of approximately 900 young ducks arrived in late May, with more expected to arrive soon. Corwin anticipates that the first ducks will be ready for processing by the end of next summer.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the progress, corwin remains cautious, acknowledging that it will take many months, if ever, to return to full capacity. The farm previously processed about 1 million ducks annually. The ongoing bird flu pandemic is a major concern,and Corwin worries about the potential impact of another outbreak.

While the farm received federal compensation for the euthanized ducks,it was insufficient to cover the market value of the birds and the rebuilding expenses. Corwin hopes the federal government will mandate poultry operators to vaccinate their livestock against bird flu, a measure he believes would provide