The Town of Huntington has put out a public safety advisory concerning six dead geese found in and around Heckscher Park.

The Town says that the Department of Environmental Conservation has been contacted to conduct testing for bird flu.

According to the DEC, avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks and geese, gulls, raptors and shorebirds. Some viruses are more severe than others and can also affect domestic gamebirds and poultry like chickens, turkeys and other birds. Those that cause severe disease in poultry are called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses. These viruses can spread quickly in affected flocks.

In Feb. 2022, the first case of HPAI in New York was found in Suffolk County. At present, HPAI has been detected across the entire country, including much of New York state.

The Town says that no positive results have been confirmed at it may take up to a month for results to be finalized.

Huntington Animal Control and Public Safety Department are advising residents not to handle dead or sick birds, keep pets leashed and away from wildlife and to call a health care provider before visiting them if you or a household member develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure.

If you encounter a dead goose near Heckscher Park or elsewhere in town, call the Town of Huntington Animal Control at 631-754-8722. Possible bird flu cases can also be reported to the DEC.