Canal Street Park closed after borough confirms avian influenza among local geese

Borough officials announced on the council meeting floor that Canal Street Park is closed indefinitely after the Pennsylvania Game Commission confirmed avian influenza (bird flu) among local Canada geese. Borough staff said the commission estimated about 150 geese along the river and in park areas, with many birds found dead or dying.

The borough said it posted warning signs provided by the Game Commission, distributed informational flyers for hunters, trappers and residents about avoiding contact with wildlife and steps to take if people find sick or dead birds, and urged residents to report sightings of multiple dead geese. Borough staff warned school officials and parents to avoid the park during pick-up and drop-off times.

Crew chief Rob Smale and borough staff said the Game Commission may begin removing geese and that residents should not handle dead birds; guidance provided included wearing gloves, shoveling and bagging carcasses and disposing of them with household trash when the commission does not respond to single incidents. The borough said it will update the public via the borough website and app and will post additional signs if other parks are affected.

The council discussion did not include new citywide orders or human-health interventions; borough officials emphasized that the measures were precautionary and followed Game Commission recommendations. The borough asked residents with questions to call or email borough staff for further information.