Dead Geese Prompt Park Closures In Allentown: See Details

ALLENTOWN, NJ — Parks in Allentown have closed after dead geese were discovered in the borough’s parks, following reports of dead geese found throughout Monmouth County and other parts of New Jersey.

In an online post, Allentown Borough officials said several dead geese have been identified on the pond at their local parks.

Due to current ice conditions, officials are temporarily unable to safely remove the carcasses, though the borough said it is closely monitoring weather conditions and will begin removal operations as soon as the ice has sufficiently melted.

To protect public health and prevent the potential spread of disease to pets and other wildlife, the following locations are temporarily closed until further notice:

• Dr. Farmers Park
• Pete Sensi Park
• The area behind the Old Mill along the waterway

Dead geese were discovered in Allentown amidst a suspected outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or “Bird Flu” throughout New Jersey.

Between Feb. 14 and Feb. 16, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) said there have been over 1,100 dead or sick birds reported statewide, with Bird Flu as a suspected cause.

• Read More: Mysterious Bird Deaths Solved, NJ DEP Reports 'Active Outbreak'

For Allentown, this isn’t the first time that dead geese have been found in the borough.

Around the same time last year, dead geese closed Pete Sensi Park, Dr. Farmer’s Park and Heritage Park. Those geese later tested positive for Bird Flu.

• Read More: Dead Geese Prompt Park Closures In Allentown Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
• Read More: Dead Geese Found In Allentown Test Positive For Bird Flu: Officials

In a message to residents and visitors, Allentown Mayor Thomas C. Fritts said the borough is working directly with NJ DEP officials and following all applicable state and local health protocols.

“We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” Fritts said. “Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work to safeguard our community.”

If residents or visitors see sick or dead birds in the borough, officials are asking them to report the birds immediately to Allentown Borough Hall at 609-259-3151.

For reports of five or more birds, residents can also complete the NJ DEP Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form.

To protect yourself from Avian Influenza, the CDC recommends the following steps:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, dairy cows and other animals. Observe them only from a distance.
• If you must have direct or close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domesticated birds, dairy cows, or other animals with confirmed or suspected Avian Bird Influenza A Virus infection.
• Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected Avian Influenza A Virus infection or in areas known to have infected herds.

For residents or visitors with pets, borough officials also recommend keeping them away from geese, their droppings and any water bodies where deceased birds are present.

Although NJ DEP advises against handling wildlife, if removal on private property is unavoidable, officials recommend wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, mask and eye protection), using a shovel to double-bag the carcass and disinfecting all tools with a bleach-water solution afterward.

To see the original message from Allentown Borough, you can click here.

Previous Coverage

• Mysterious Bird Deaths Solved, NJDEP Reports 'Active Outbreak'
• Dead Geese Found In Monmouth County Parks, Officials Say
• Dead Geese Prompt Park Closures In Allentown Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
• Dead Geese Found In Allentown Test Positive For Bird Flu: Officials