Numerous Canada geese have been found dead in Northampton Borough’s Canal Street Park during the last week.

Last Tuesday, a goose was found dead in the park. Borough administration initially felt it was an isolated incident, but five or six more geese were found dead at the park the next day.

Administration contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who suspected bird flu infections felled the unsuspecting geese. Canal Street Park was closed, and the borough waited for a state biologist to arrive and have the birds tested. The geese tested positive for bird flu.

A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, causes significant, fatal outbreaks in wild goose populations, notably Canada geese. This virus is highly infectious, often killing 95-100% of an infected flock. The virus causes rapid death, sometimes without visible sickness through symptoms like diarrhea, respiratory distress and neurological issues.

The virus spreads through saliva, mucus and feces, as well as by ingestion of infected birds. The virus often strikes in colder months because the cold weather can help the virus survive longer in the environment.

The virus can have a huge impact. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of geese have been found dead in localized bird flu outbreaks in areas of New Jersey.

While bird flu is devastating to waterfowl like geese, it can also affect poultry such as chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread to foxes, skunks and, at times, dairy cows.

The risk of infection to humans and the general public is low. Health officials advise against handling sick or dead birds and suggest keeping pets away from the birds.

If a person sees multiple dead or sick birds, it is recommended to report them to local authorities and/or the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-742-4868.

Infected birds may exhibit neurological symptoms like swimming or walking in circles and twisted necks, respiratory distress such as coughing and sneezing, lack of coordination and sudden death.

Borough officials request all residents stay out of Canal Street Park. Northampton has an annual influx of Canada geese because the Lehigh River runs adjacent to the west end of the borough and attracts geese traveling north. The geese are also attracted by the large Canal Street Park space as well as other parks in the borough.

Residents are asked to contact the borough office at 610-262-2576 if they find a dead goose or observe strange behavior from any geese. Do not handle any dead geese, and stay away from a goose exhibiting unusual behavior.

Visit northamptonboro.com or visit your MyNorthampton app for updated information.