Bird flu has been confirmed in Canada geese at an Alameda beach, and the East Bay Regional Park District is warning visitors across both Alameda and Contra Costa counties to stay away from sick or dead birds at all regional parks.

Alameda County Vector Control collected geese on Oct. 8 and Oct. 12 at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. The birds tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as HPAI or bird flu, the park district announced Oct. 23 in a press release.

The district warned that infected birds could be found throughout the East Bay. The park system covers both Alameda and Contra Costa counties, which means the advisory applies to parks frequented by Walnut Creek residents, not just the Alameda shoreline where the geese were collected. The district operates Castle Rock and Diablo Foothills recreation areas in Walnut Creek.

What residents should do

The park district issued specific safety guidelines for anyone visiting regional parks:

  • Do not touch wild birds.
  • Stay at least 50 feet from any dead bird.
  • Keep children and dogs away from birds, bird carcasses and bird droppings.
  • Report birds that appear sick or are dead. Give the location and, when available, a photograph or map reference taken from a safe distance.

For reporting, the district’s announcement lists the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District at 925-685-9301 and Alameda County Vector Control at 510-567-6800. Use the contact for the county where the bird is found.

Risk to humans

The district said the risk to the general public is low. Human infections can occur through close or prolonged exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments, according to the district's announcement. The disease primarily affects wild birds, with cases increasing during fall and winter.

Who is coordinating the response

The park district said it is working with the Alameda County Public Health Department, Alameda County Vector Control, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the City of Alameda. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, the district said.