Officials in Bucks County are monitoring confirmed and potential cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza after reports of infected birds on park property.
The Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department issued an advisory Friday stating that an outbreak was located within county park property. The specific location of the outbreak was not listed.
Last week, there were reports of geese in Bristol Borough exhibiting unusual behavior that could be connected to the bird flu, and there have been similar previous reports across Bucks County.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission warned last week that cases among the bird population are expected to increase as wild birds migrate through the state in the coming weeks.
Officials in neighboring New Jersey have reported a large outbreak among Canada geese, including in bordering Burlington, Mercer, and Hunterdon counties.
Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are natural carriers that can shed the virus through saliva and feces without appearing sick. Infected birds often display neurological symptoms.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, some of the clinical signs include head tilting, circling, and difficulty flying.
Avian influenza can infect a wide range of animals, including chickens, turkeys, goats, cows, foxes, and cats.
To report sick or dead wild birds, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453) or the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.
While rare, humans can contract the virus through contact with infected animals, animal droppings and secretions, contaminated objects, or raw milk from sick cows.
While there was only one human bird flu case in 2022 and none in 2023, there were 70 cases in 2024 throughout the U.S. There was one fatality in Louisiana, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
As a guard against infection, officials advise the public to view wildlife only from a safe distance, avoid contact with wild birds or their feces, and refrain from handling wildlife unless authorized through hunting or trapping.
State health officials also noted that receiving a seasonal flu shot can prevent the seasonal and bird flu viruses from interacting, which could lead to a more harmful strain in a person.
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For health concerns after contact with birds or other potentially ill animals, contact a primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258.
For residents with backyard bird feeders, the game commission stated the virus typically does not affect species that frequent feeders.
However, the game commission noted owners should disinfect feeders every two weeks with a 10 percent bleach solution.
If multiple birds are found dead or sick, feeders and baths should be removed to prevent further spread.
The ongoing U.S. outbreak began in January 2022, and Pennsylvania saw a sharp resurgence in late 2024 and early 2025.
Gov. Josh Shapiro stated recently that reports of outbreaks trigger a coordinated responses between state and federal authorities.
The state response team now includes 55 state-employed veterinarians, four Pennsylvania National Guard civilian support members, and four Penn State Extension experts. That team is in addition to state workers, local emergency management, and federal officials already involved in responding to the outbreak.
The bird flu has impacted commercial farming in the Keystone State, causing millions of birds to be killed. It also led to the state issuing $15.6 million in recovery grants to farmers.
