Pennsylvania wildlife can’t seem to get a break.

First it was deer being infected with CWD, now it’s snow geese.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, about 200 snow geese were found dead in both Upper Macungie Township and Lower Nazareth Township. Preliminary tests have shown that the birds have tested positive for avian influenza AI (HPAI). Sick wild birds were also seen at both locations, says the PGC.

This situation is ironic since in last week’s column I mention that the snow geese have arrived from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. So how could this disease happen so quickly? And why hasn’t this affected local Canada geese.

In a phone conversation with “Janine,” a rehab volunteer at Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, she said they also found a few dead or sick Canada geese as well.

When contacting Travis Lau, PGC Communications Manager, he said the birds found deceased in this area are an isolated incident. He pointed out that similar findings have occurred recently in Delaware and in the Pacific Flyway. Lau went on to say that since the AI outbreak in 2022 that affected wild and domestic birds in every state, it appeared to have settled down pretty much, until now.

If anyone finds or observes dead or sick birds, the PGC would appreciate it if they reported them by calling 833-742-9453 (833-PGC-WILD) or by emailing pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov

Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. And if you have had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your doctor or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.

Lau went on to explain that wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered natural reservoirs for avian flu viruses. While infected birds may shed the virus in their feces and saliva despite appearing healthy, HPAI can also lead to sickness or death in raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens), other waterfowl species (ducks, geese) and wild poultry (turkey, grouse). Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often nonspecific but may include neurological dysfunction such as circling, head tilting and difficult flying.

The PGC said HPAI is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry like it recently affected thousands of chickens at a poultry company. As such, it has the potential to affect the entire commercial poultry industry and international trade.

Waterfowl hunters are still encouraged to continue participating in the remaining season, but should take precautions while handling and field dressing birds. These include wearing nitrile-type gloves, protective eye wear and a mask. And following any hunt, the PGC recommends practicing good hygiene by washing hands and any clothing used in the process of dressing game that may contain blood or feces. Plus, never handle wildlife that is sick or displaying signs of sickness. Instead, report it to the PGC.