Six Canada geese died at Silver Lake Park, and the cause of death is thought to be avian flu.

Six dead Canada geese discovered at Silver Lake Park by a Rochester homeowner are being tested for avian flu.

Rochester Parks and Recreation Director Paul Widman stated in a statement announcing the tests by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, "It is uncommon to discover a lot of dead geese in the park with no visible injuries." "We're taking safeguards and working with county and state authorities to be ready for avian flu," she says.

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The geese were discovered on Sunday and Monday, and Widman expects test results by Monday, if not sooner.

The Minnesota Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Unit will monitor Rochester workers who may have had contact with the sick geese if the geese test positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Infections among humans are uncommon, according to the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention, but the disease may spread if enough virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is breathed.

The transmission of bird flu viruses from one sick individual to a close contact is uncommon, and when it does occur, it does not result in widespread infection.

City parks will remain open, according to Widman, but users must adhere to Olmsted County Public Health requirements.

"It's always a good idea to keep a safe distance from animals," he added. "Because geese are in their breeding season right now, they're a little more aggressive than normal." Participants in the park are advised to keep a safe distance from geese and other birds."

When avian flu is discovered in Minnesota, a reaction zone is established around the contaminated premises to prevent mobility and provide a location for testing and monitoring measures. If more birds surrounding the park are affected, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health will investigate.

While humans are unlikely to get avian flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following precautions to avoid exposure:

• Avoid making close touch with wild birds and just view them from afar.
• Avoid coming into touch with sick or dead poultry.
• Avoid touching surfaces that look to be contaminated with wild or domestic bird excrement.
• If you must touch wild birds or ill or dead poultry, put on gloves and wash your hands with soap and water.
• When handling birds, use respiratory protection such as a medical face mask.
• Before coming into touch with healthy domestic chickens and birds, change your clothes.

Residents who keep chickens, ducks, or other birds at risk of avian flu are also encouraged to follow the Minnesota Department of Animal Health's instructions.