HARRISBURG, PA — A startling avian influenza (AI) outbreak is suspected to be behind the sudden deaths of approximately 200 snow geese found in the Allentown area this past week. This tragic discovery has set off alarms among public health officials, birders, and the poultry industry, as the highly pathogenic strain (HPAI) wreaks havoc in the region.
The dead geese were recovered from two sites—Lower Nazareth Township in Northampton County and Upper Macungie Township in Lehigh County. Preliminary testing detected HPAI, though confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories is still pending. Adding to the urgency, observers reported additional sick birds at both sites.
What Makes This Outbreak Serious?
Officials are on high alert because of the sweeping effects avian influenza can have, not only on wildlife but also on the domestic poultry industry. While HPAI hasn’t decimated wild bird populations overall, it is highly contagious and often fatal among domestic poultry, posing a significant threat to farmers and the economy. An outbreak can cripple poultry production, spark trade embargoes, and disrupt food supplies.
Wild birds, like snow geese, ducks, and shorebirds, often serve as natural carriers, shedding the virus in their feces and saliva. Although these birds might not always show symptoms, others—especially raptors, scavengers, and poultry—can succumb to neurological dysfunction, disorientation, and rapid death after infection. Signs to watch for include circling, head tilting, and trouble with flight.
Since the U.S. outbreak began in January 2022, avian influenza has impacted wild and domestic bird populations in every state, making it a national concern. For the greater Allentown area, this is a stark reminder of how quickly this virus can take hold.
What Does This Mean for You?
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk to human health is currently low, individuals must remain vigilant. Those handling wild birds, whether in the wild or in community settings, should take precautions. Wear gloves, masks, and eye protection, and avoid contact with surfaces contaminated by bird droppings. Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to continue their sport but to stay cautious with proper hygiene practices—wash hands thoroughly and sanitize any clothing or tools exposed to game.
Should you have direct contact with sick or dead birds and feel unwell, you’re advised to promptly see a doctor or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
How Is the State Responding?
Agencies like the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are stepping up their efforts, working closely with the USDA, the Wildlife Futures Program, and other partners to monitor the spread of AI. While the virus can’t be feasibly controlled in the wild due to its widespread nature, measures are in place to protect Pennsylvania’s critical poultry sector.
Farmers and backyard poultry owners are urged to review and reinforce their biosecurity protocols. This includes minimizing contact between domestic birds and their wild counterparts. For those in commercial operations, the USDA offers free resources on how to safeguard flocks.
Stay Alert and Report
The public also plays an important role in mitigating the spread of the virus. If you spot dead or sick wild birds, report them to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453) or through their Wildlife Health Survey tool. Sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.
This outbreak is another stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the interconnectedness of our environments. Whether you’re a farmer, hunter, or wildlife enthusiast, staying informed and prepared is the best defense. Pennsylvania’s fight against the spread of avian influenza is far from over.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.