Bird Flu Outbreak in Westchester County Park: Geese Found Dead Test Positive

Geese Found Dead in Carroll Park Test Positive for Bird Flu

Geese found dead in a Westchester County park this week have tested positive for bird flu, county officials confirmed days after shuttering the park.

Police Chief’s Concern

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Paul Oliva was among the first to discover the dead geese on the ice and in the water of the partially frozen pond. "I was able to observe it was about a dozen dead Canadian geese on the ice and in the water," he said. "I’m thinking this is definitely uncommon and we should be cautious how we handle this."

Test Results Confirm Bird Flu

Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi confirmed on Friday that test results for the dead geese had come back, revealing the presence of bird flu.

Warnings Issued and Public Safety

Avian flu is on the rise around the country, mostly impacting animals. However, 67 humans contracted the virus in the U.S. in 2024, and one person died, according to the New York State Department of Health. Out of an abundance of caution, officials in Mount Pleasant have been sending warnings to the public to stay away from dead birds.

"There’s always a possibility of picking up something," said Fulgenzi. "It could be on your shoe, whatever. Especially a dog, I would be concerned of a dog picking up something because of feces from the geese."

Park Closure and Deterrent Measures

The geese were found in the pond only, and not in other parts of the park, such as the children’s playground. However, geese could still be seen inside the park on Wednesday. A laser device will be set up to deter geese from coming to the pond, according to officials. It was not immediately clear how long the park would remain closed.

Conclusion

The discovery of dead geese in Carroll Park and the subsequent confirmation of bird flu has raised concerns about public safety and the potential spread of the virus. As a precautionary measure, the park has been closed, and warnings have been issued to the public to avoid dead birds and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

FAQs

• When did the geese test positive for bird flu?
  The geese tested positive for bird flu on Friday.
• How many geese were found dead?
  About a dozen Canadian geese were found dead in the pond.
• Is the park still closed?
  The park’s closure status is currently unknown, but officials are working to determine the best course of action.
• What measures are being taken to deter geese from coming to the pond?
  A laser device will be set up to deter geese from coming to the pond.