LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Game Commission confirms it had to euthanize hundreds of snow geese at two quarries in the Lehigh Valley in efforts to slow down the spread of avian influenza.
Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau says game wardens used lead-free ammunition to depopulate a quarry site in Nazareth, and another in Fogelsville. Wardens eliminated 450 birds in Nazareth, and 150 in Fogelsville.
Lau says since a January 2nd news release was distributed regarding the bird flu and its death toll, the mortality rate for birds in the area has risen to 5,000.
The local quarries are the two hottest spots in Pennsylvania for avian influenza, although officials continue receiving reports from other parts of the state reporting bird deaths.
When Game Commision officials went to the sites this week to carry out the reduction effort, arriving crews observed many birds that had already died. Lau says the bird flu overall mortality in the Lehigh Valley is higher than in other parts of the state.
In addition to snow geese, the Game Commission has had some Canada geese preliminarily test positive for bird flu, and Lau has heard of red-tailed hawks testing positive as well.
The Game Commission continues to warn the public against handling sick, injured or dead birds and to report them by calling 833-742-9453 (833-PGC-WILD.)
Sick or dead domestic birds can also be reported to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.
If you’ve had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Article by:Source –
