Over 70 geese have died of suspected bird flu in Monroe park

MONROE — An estimated 70 to 80 cackling geese have died since early November from suspected bird flu at Lake Tye Park, state officials said.

On Nov. 4, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife began receiving reports of infected cackling geese at the Monroe park. The city posted signs at the park about the infections, but hadn’t issued any closures as of this week.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds, including geese, ducks, swans and gulls. Outbreaks of this magnitude are common in the fall when birds are migrating and concentrating in large numbers, causing the virus to quickly spread through saliva, feces and contaminated surfaces.

Initial testing of one goose from the area came back positive for avian influenza, said Kurt Licence, district wildlife biologist for Fish and Wildlife. Licence said staff will conduct more tests only if additional species are affected. But so far, only geese have been sickened.

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