Northampton, Pennsylvania – Canal Street Park in Northampton Borough has been closed to the public as of , following the discovery of multiple dead geese. The closure encompasses the entire park, including the D&L Trail, playground, basketball and tennis courts, pavilion, walking paths, river access, and all grassy areas.
The decision to close the park was made after officials received reports of dead geese earlier in the week, with the number increasing significantly on . “We first heard about just a few. Yesterday there were about five or six. So that’s when we reached out to the Game Commission. And then today it was a lot more,” explained Northampton Borough Manager Brian Welsko.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission responded to the situation on morning, recommending the park’s closure and dispatching a biologist to conduct tests on the deceased birds. Officials estimate approximately 150 dead geese were found in the Lehigh River, with additional birds discovered along the shoreline and within the park itself.
While test results are still pending, bird flu – specifically highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – is strongly suspected as the cause of death. Borough leaders indicated that culling of the local goose population had begun as a precautionary measure. “All signs kind of point that way. They did start culling the geese population in the area,” Welsko stated. As of , officials were actively culling geese within the park.
Growing Concerns About Avian Influenza
This incident is not isolated. The Borough of Walnutport, neighboring Northampton, issued a public advisory on Facebook requesting vigilance among residents and visitors near the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River due to the potential bird flu outbreak. Similar outbreaks have been occurring across the region and beyond.
In , hundreds of snow geese were found dead at a quarry in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County, and at other locations in the Lehigh Valley, with bird flu confirmed as the cause. This mirrors a broader trend observed across the state and neighboring New Jersey.
According to reports, over 1,100 geese reportedly died in New Jersey in a three-day period between and , with bird flu suspected. Several parks in New Jersey, including Betty Park and Alcyon Park in Gloucester County, were temporarily closed as a result.
Understanding Avian Influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a respiratory disease affecting birds, caused by influenza A viruses. An outbreak in the United States began in and has since impacted both wild and domestic bird populations across all states. The current outbreak is causing significant concern among wildlife officials and public health authorities.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission urges residents to avoid contact with any dead or sick wild birds and to report sightings. Sightings can be reported to the Northampton Borough Office at 610-262-2576 or the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-742-4868. Residents in the Walnutport area can contact their borough at 610-437-5252.
According to Welsko, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has noted that these types of events are “a very frequent thing that happens at this time of year when the frost breaks.” This suggests that seasonal changes and environmental factors may play a role in the spread of the virus.
Public Health Considerations
While the current outbreak primarily affects bird populations, public health officials are closely monitoring the situation. The risk to humans remains low, but it is not zero. It’s important to remember that avian influenza viruses do not easily infect humans, and sustained human-to-human transmission has not been documented in this outbreak.
However, individuals who work closely with birds – such as poultry workers or wildlife rehabilitators – may be at increased risk of exposure. Precautions, such as wearing protective gear and practicing good hygiene, are recommended for those individuals.
The situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring and testing are crucial to understanding the extent of the outbreak and implementing effective control measures. The closure of Canal Street Park is a proactive step to protect both animal and public health, and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to the appropriate authorities.
