Avian influenza (AI) is suspected to have caused the death of hundreds of snow geese found Monday in the greater Allentown area, according to an announcement from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Dead geese were recovered from two sites, one in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County, and another in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, according to the announcement.
Those encountering other sick or dead wild birds can report them to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Call: 1-833-PGC-WILD
Email: pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov
Online: https://www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS
Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.
If you've had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to continue participating in the remaining season but should take precautions while handling and dressing birds, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
While AI could infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that HPAI is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the public.
The public is reminded to never handle wildlife that is sick or displaying signs of sickness. Instead, report it to the Game Commission.
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