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Sick Bird is Philadelphia’s First Avian Flu Case

A migrating snow goose  about to land in a field in eastern Pennsylvania on a bright winter day

Philadelphia has its first suspected case of Avian Flu: a sick snow goose. A person in West Philadelphia’s Carrol Park noticed the bird displaying unusual neurological symptoms and reported it to authorities. After being examined, the animal was euthanized and tested at the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Initial testing indicated the bird was infected with the virus. Earlier in January, 200 snow geese in Lehigh and Northampton Counties were killed by the virus.


The immediate health risk of the virus to area residents remains very low. However, the ongoing outbreaks across poultry, cattle and wild animals since 2022 increasingly threatens public health. Nearly 70 cases have been confirmed in the US since the start of 2024, including one death. While the virus does not easily infect humans currently, studies show it may be moving closer to becoming more dangerous to people.

Full Story: Philadelphia Inquirer

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