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Middle Creek may close areas to public if avian flu affects large numbers of migrating birds

Snow geese are shown during their annual migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on March 3, 2022.

 Jeremy Long / WITF

Snow geese are shown during their annual migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on March 3, 2022.

Some areas of Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Clay Township may close during prime snow geese viewing season this year if large numbers of birds are found sick or dead from avian flu.

Any closures would be a precaution to prevent the spread of bird flu.

Tens of thousands of snow geese stop at Middle Creek each year on their journey north to nest, attracting scores of birding and outdoors enthusiasts to witness the sight.

Because of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza across the country, Pennsylvania Game Commission staff are watching closely for signs of illness.

Laura Richmond, visitor center manager for Middle Creek, said snow geese are not flocking to the lake yet, as the water is still frozen.

Richmond said as more stop to rest and feed, management responses will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Earlier this month, the Game Commission reported about 200 snow geese in the greater Allentown area were found dead of suspected avian influenza. Spokesman Travis Lau said the number has risen to more than 5,000 birds affected as of Jan. 23, putting the Lehigh Valley at the epicenter of resurgence of the virus.

Lau said there have been 31 preliminary positive tests of avian flu in various birds across the state since early December. The Game Commission does not have a total number of birds that have died statewide.

Middle Creek and its 400-acre lake are a pit stop for tens of thousands of snow geese and other birds as they migrate north to their breeding grounds, typically between late January and early March.

The high point last year happened on Feb. 24, when Middle Creek staff estimated 70,000 snow geese rested in the area.

For now, visitors are encouraged to watch wildlife from a safe distance, to not feed wildlife, and to avoid contact with bird feces. Hunters should use gloves when handling birds. Visitors should wash their hands and clean off their shoes after trekking through areas where birds have been.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said bird flu can affect wild birds, chickens, turkeys, and other animals like goats, cows, foxes, and cats. Humans can also catch bird flu from sick animals or things touched by sick animals.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first human death due to avian flu this month in Louisiana. The CDC said, as of Jan. 6, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the United States since 2024.

The CDC said there has been no person-to-person transmission of bird flu. The person in Louisiana had been exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. The CDC said the risk of the outbreak to the general public remains low.

Those encountering sick or dead wild birds can report them to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by calling 1-833-742-9453 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.

If you have 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.

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