Several dead geese have been reported along the Geneva lakefront as officials monitor potential impacts from bird flu confirmed in Seneca Lake wildlife.
City of Geneva officials say staff are checking the shoreline and removing birds from accessible areas each day.
According to city officials, birds located directly at the shoreline or touching the water are being left in place under guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Officials are asking residents to avoid contact with dead or sick birds and to keep pets away from carcasses or distressed wildlife. People are also advised to avoid bird droppings or areas where birds may be present.
State officials recently confirmed that several dead birds found along Seneca Lake tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza after samples were analyzed at Cornell University.
Officials say melting ice and warmer temperatures recently pushed bird carcasses onto the shoreline, prompting reports from residents.
Avian influenza is commonly carried by migrating waterbirds and cases often peak during late fall and winter.
Wildlife infected with the virus may show breathing problems, weakness, neurological symptoms, diarrhea or sudden death.
Officials say the risk to humans remains low but recommend avoiding contact with wildlife and reporting clusters of dead birds.
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