First suspected case of bird flu in Philadelphia detected in snow goose

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Department of Health said Wednesday that the city's first suspected case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was detected in a snow goose earlier this month.

The sick goose was found in the 1200 block ofN. 59th Street near Carroll Park in West Philadelphia on Saturday, Jan. 11.

The bird flu diagnosis came from preliminary in-state testing, city officials said.

Anyone who was in the area of Carroll Park and may have had direct contact with a sick snow goose on or around Jan. 11 is asked to contact the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Division of Disease Control at215-685-6741.

Residents who live nearby were surprised to learn a goose was in the park in the first place.

"Squirrels, cats, dogs, not no goose," said Pauline Veney.

She had brought her grandchildren to the park but was concerned to learn about the sick bird.

"We're going to go in the house and sanitize everything and stay in. We're not coming back here in the park," she said.

No human cases of the virus, formally known as avian influenza A (H5N1), have been reported in the City of Philadelphia so far.

"The threat to Philadelphians from H5N1 remains low, but we are issuing this alert out of an abundance of caution," said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson.

The Health Dept. said more than 60 people across the country have tested positive for bird flu, and one person has died.

"The vast majority of those who have tested positive were exposed directly to poultry farms or dairy herds," the department said.

Earlier this month, 200 snow geese were found dead in the Lehigh Valley.
In Delaware, more than 120,000 chickens on a farm were impacted by the virus.

Since 2022 there have been 250 confirmed detections in wild birds in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Wildlife experts say it's best to not interact with wild animals.

"I know people want to get involved and if they see an animal that they think is injured or sick, the very first thing they need to do is reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator and get some guidance," said Leah Stallings, executive director of Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.

She said now is not the time for people to panic, but pet owners should take certain precautions.

"Say if you have backyard chickens," said Stallings. "You want to have dedicated clothing and shoewear you wear when you go to take care of your chickens."

Residents are reminded to keep an eye out for sick birds. If you see one, stay away from it and contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-PGC-Hunt (833-722-4868), email at pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov, or the online Wildlife Health Survey tool.

For more information, visit the Health Department's bird flu updates page atPhila.gov.