Another virus is popping up across the nation, but this one impacts birds instead of people.

Poultry farms across the state are doing everything they can to protect their flocks, as bird flu cases spread far and wide. It can come from anywhere: clothes, objects, particles of dirt, and even from birds flying overhead.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets says migratory birds, like geese, coming back for the warmer months are bringing a highly contagious strain of bird flu, or HPAI, with them.

Although there have been confirmed cases in poultry in 17 states across the country, the current strain of HPAI is not a threat to humans. Four flocks of birds in New York have fallen victim to this highly contagious strain, which is wreaking havoc on chicken, turkey, eggs and other bird production across the U.S.

Consumers are feeling it in their wallets, with the USDA saying wholesale poultry prices are now predicted to increase between 12-15% this year. 

With major stakes and money attached, the guidelines are strict.

If a New York farmer has a positive case, even with just one bird infected, the farmer must report it to the state. State officials then come to the farm, and the entire flock is euthanized. 

The farm or residence is then required to undergo a 150-day quarantine. 

In Ferndale, Hudson Foie Gras employees are on high alert of transmission. To prevent further spread, farms are encouraged to increase their biosecurity measures. 

They're even considering what the cat drags in. 

"We use a disinfectant going into this building, and then once going out to make sure we don't carry anything out of the building," said Hudson Valley's Foie Gra's President Marcus Henley. 

With 50,000 birds in this flock at any point in time, this small task holds critical importance for Henley. 

“We'd be out of business. It's a scary situation,” said Henley. 

The state says people working with birds should report sick ones, a sudden drop in eggs, or an unexplained surge of bird deaths. If you see any of these warning signs, you're asked to reach out to the Division of Animal Industry.