Duck farm struggles to recover after devastating bird flu outbreak

In January 2023, a bird flu outbreak devastated Crescent Duck Farms in Aquebogue, New York, leading to the destruction of its entire flock of 100,000 birds. Doug Corwin, who runs the farm, noted the alarming signs during a barn inspection where he found many dead or lethargic birds. Following the culling, the farm began its rebuilding process, using ducks that were spared due to their health status to maintain the farm's unique genetic lineage built over generations. By mid-2025, Corwin had started receiving new ducks and was seeking to restore operations that previously processed about one million ducks annually. However, he faces numerous challenges, including sanitation issues, infrastructure upgrades, and the looming threat of another bird flu outbreak. The situation is particularly dire given the financial strain of rebuilding in a high-cost agricultural area of Long Island, which has seen other farms close down due to financial pressures from similar outbreaks. The ongoing H5N1 bird flu pandemic has affected the poultry industry nationwide, causing over 1,700 outbreaks and the loss of nearly 175 million birds since 2022. Corwin expressed concerns that the virus has become more virulent, raising the stakes for his operation. He pointed out that the federal compensation received after the culling did not adequately cover the market value of the lost birds, further complicating the farm's recovery. Crescent Duck Farms is also seen as a key part of local heritage, having been established in 1908 by Corwin's great-grandfather. The farm's recovery is vital not just for Corwin's family but for preserving the agricultural landscape of Long Island's North Fork. Corwin is committed to continuing this family legacy, stressing the importance of making Long Island proud amidst ongoing threats to the poultry industry.