PHILADELPHIA — On January 18, 2025, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed that a sick snow goose found near Carroll Park in West Philadelphia has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu. The bird was discovered on January 11, 2025, on the 1200 block of North 59th Street. This marks the first reported case involving a bird in Philadelphia during the ongoing nationwide outbreak. Officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, and no human cases have been reported in Philadelphia at this time.
Health Department Issues Warning
“The threat to Philadelphians from H5N1 remains low, but we are issuing this alert out of an abundance of caution,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. “We continue to monitor the situation both here in Philadelphia and across the country. You can help by staying away from wild birds and reporting any sick or dead birds to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.”
The Health Department has urged residents to avoid contact with wild birds, particularly waterfowl such as geese and ducks, which are common carriers of bird flu. Anyone in the Carroll Park area who may have had direct contact with a sick snow goose on or around January 11, 2025, is advised to contact the Division of Disease Control at 215-685-6741.
Reports of sick or dead birds should be directed to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by calling 833-PGC-Hunt, emailing pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov, or using the online Wildlife Health Survey Tool. For concerns about backyard poultry, residents can contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services 24/7 at 717-772-2852, option 1.
National and Regional Context
Philadelphia’s case is the latest development in a broader outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Recently, snow geese deaths were reported in two locations in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, and two poultry farms in Delaware have been affected. Nationwide, nearly 1,000 dairy herds and other agricultural operations have tested positive for H5N1.
While the risk to humans remains limited, the virus has infected over 60 people in the U.S., with one fatality reported. Most human cases have been linked to direct exposure to infected poultry or livestock.
Public Safety Recommendations
The Health Department provided the following guidance to minimize the risk of transmission:
- Avoid wild birds: Do not touch or approach wild birds, especially waterfowl like geese and ducks.
- Report sick or dead wildlife: Use the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s phone line (833-PGC-Hunt), email (pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov), or online Wildlife Health Survey Tool to report concerns.
- Protect backyard poultry: Owners of backyard flocks should monitor their birds closely and report any signs of illness to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852.
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is actively coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the situation and mitigate risks.
While the current risk to the public is low, the Health Department is urging vigilance as part of its proactive efforts to safeguard public health during this nationwide outbreak.
