A suspected Avian Flu outbreak is under investigation in Monroe County. The state DEC reported on Wednesday nearly two dozen Canada Geese have been found dead along the North Ponds Park Trail in Webster since last Saturday.
Avian Flu, or bird flu as it is commonly referred to, does not pose an immediate public health threat and cases in humans are rare. It is caused by an influenza type A virus, which is carried by wild birds, such as ducks, geese, gulls and shore birds. Generally, influenza viruses can infect some wild species without causing signs of disease, but new strains can emerge that cause illness with high mortality in both wild birds and domestic poultry.
The DEC is asking anyone who discovers multiple sick or dead birds to contact their local DEC office.
