An outbreak of bird flu is very likely linked to the deaths of 25 geese in Allentown, New Jersey.

Allentown Mayor Thomas Fretts says the decision was made to close three parks where the birds were found out of concern for cross-contamination.

That includes Sensi Park, Heritage Park and Dr. Farmer’s Park.

All three are blocked off by caution tape, and signs that warn people to stay away from the water and steer clear of the goose droppings.

“It is a virus that absolutely can be picked up by humans although very rare," says Mayor Thomas Fretts. "You have kids and families that are coming down the park every single day. You can pick it up from bird droppings. I understand that the virus can last weeks and months in cool temperatures, hours and days in warm temperatures."

The avian flu is highly contagious, not only among birds but also humans.

The mayor says the dead geese still need to be tested to confirm the cause of death, but he seems convinced the cause is avian flu, especially since the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been monitoring the outbreak since December.

“When you have 25 to 30 geese that have died naturally there’s a problem," said the mayor.

Allentown Councilman John Elder said the majority were found near Sensi Park at the Millpond Dam.

“It was horrible. They’re all there, hanging off the dam, some washed down to the other side along Doctor’s Creek," he says.

There is a larger impact to consider. The avian flu is one of the reasons for the high price of eggs around the U.S.

In some states, poultry farmers had to euthanize thousands of infected birds, halting production.

In 2024, bird flu caused the death of 40 million birds.

The mayor of Allentown says these parks will stay closed until he gets test results from the state.

He wants to know how to move forward if those tests are positive for avian flu.

“Whether there’s any additional treatments, processes, testing we will do all of the things necessary to keep people safe," he says.