News Flash

December 27, 2023

The Webster Parks Department is coordinating with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on a suspected Avian Influenza outbreak at Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park.

The DEC has collected deceased geese for testing at the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab in Ithaca.

The DEC has advised the Parks Department on proper removal and disposal of carcasses. In total, there have been between one and two dozen deceased birds found in the park.

While the CDC states that recent Avian Influenza detections do not present an immediate public health concern, the Town of Webster remains vigilant in monitoring this situation. The CDC informs that cases of Avian Influenza in humans are rare and symptoms are typically mild.

If you see sick or deceased birds at Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park or another town park, please contact the Webster Parks Department and the Region 8 office of the DEC. Please do not handle sick or deceased animals and monitor your pets to ensure they do not handle or consume sick or deceased animals.

More information:

DEC - Reporting Dead Wildlife

DEC – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza reference guide