The Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, which lost its entire flock of 99,000 to an outbreak of bird flu, has begun the long, methodical process of sanitizing its facilities.

A New York region once synonymous in the culinary world for duck may lose its last commercial farm. Crescent Duck Farm on Long Island’s North Fork was struck by an outbreak of bird flu, prompting health officials to order the destruction of its entire flock this week.

It’s a fowl day on the East End. An outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has struck Long Island’s last remaining duck farm and forced the operators to put down 99,000 birds, according to reports. Farm’s operator Doug Corwin broke down in tears as he said that the disease has been the worst disaster to hit the location since it opened in 1908.