Avian influenza, or bird flu, was detected in wild birds in Packer Township earlier this month.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the two reports came from the same Carbon County property near Weatherly.

Both were for Canada geese, commission spokesman Travis Lau said.

The first report was received on Jan. 1, and was followed by another on Jan. 6, he said.

“The second (goose) was not tested, given there was already a positive indication for the first,” Lau said.

Bird flu is suspected of having caused the deaths of around 200 snow geese found Dec. 30 in the Lehigh Valley area.

Dead birds were recovered from two sites, one in Lower Nazareth Township in Northampton County, the other in Upper Macungie Township in Lehigh County. Sick birds were also observed at both locations.

According to the game commission, the flu can lead to sickness or death in wild birds, including hawks, eagles, crows, gulls, ravens, ducks, geese, turkey and grouse.

While the disease is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry, it does not appear to significantly impact wild bird populations, the game commission said.

Signs of infection in wild birds may include neurological dysfunction such as circling, head tilting and difficulty flying.

Anyone who encounters a sick or dead wild bird can contact the game commission at 833-742-9453 or pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov, or by using the online Wildlife Health Survey tool.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the current bird flu outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to humans.

The game commission encourages waterfowl hunters to continue participating in the remaining season, but to take precautions while handling and dressing birds. They should wear protective gear and never handle anything that appears sick.