A cluster of dead Canada geese has been found on Otisco Lake and Seneca River in New York, raising concerns about the ongoing avian flu outbreak. The birds’ bodies are being frozen in the ice, sparking worries about water quality and potential public health risks.
According to wildlife experts, the recent HPAI outbreak began in February 2022 and has already affected over 153 million birds across the US. While it’s unprecedented for an outbreak to last so long, scientists expect the virus to typically burn out within a year.
Residents and wildlife enthusiasts are being advised to report suspected cases of avian flu, which may be observed in sick or dead waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.
While there’s currently no public health threat from HPAI, the virus can infect humans and has caused rare cases of illness, including death.
As experts monitor the situation, they’re warning people to keep domestic animals away from carcasses, wear protective gear when handling dead wildlife, and report any suspicious sightings to local authorities.
Source: https://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/2025/02/avian-flu-likely-killed-dozens-of-dead-geese-found-in-otisco-lake-and-seneca-river.html