A troubling situation is unfolding at one of Lubbock’s most familiar outdoor spaces, and even without speculation, the facts paint a grim picture.
Reports indicate that sick, dying, and dead geese have been found at McAllister Park. The South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has publicly warned residents — especially those with pets — to avoid the area altogether. According to the center, multiple geese are showing signs of severe illness, and they’ve urged Lubbock Animal Services to remove deceased birds and humanely euthanize those that are suffering. That alone is disturbing, but it may only be part of a much larger issue.
Why This Situation Is Especially Concerning
Geese are migratory birds, meaning many of the animals currently at McAllister Park are not permanent residents. They stop in Lubbock briefly while traveling between seasonal destinations. That raises an important and unsettling question: if migratory birds are affected here, how widespread could this illness be?
At this point, there’s no public indication that comprehensive testing has been completed. However, the leading suspicion is avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu. The uncertainty surrounding testing only adds to the concern, since migratory birds can potentially carry illnesses across vast geographic areas.
Understanding Avian Flu and Its Impact
Avian flu primarily circulates among wild birds, but it can spread to backyard poultry and, in rare cases, mammals — including humans. The virus is transmitted through respiratory secretions and bodily fluids, making ponds, lakes, and wetlands particularly risky during an outbreak.
This isn’t a hypothetical issue. Large-scale avian flu outbreaks have previously resulted in the slaughter of hundreds of millions of chickens nationwide in an effort to stop the spread. Those measures directly contributed to soaring egg prices and poultry shortages, reminding consumers just how disruptive this virus can be.
What Lubbock Residents Should Do Right Now About Avian Flu
For now, the safest approach is simple: avoid affected areas. Residents should stay away from McAllister Park and consider limiting contact with other locations where waterfowl gather until more is known. Pets should be kept leashed, away from standing water, and absolutely away from any sick or dead birds.
Read More: Lubbock Ranks 7th In Top Festive Pet Cities For Holidays
This situation is heartbreaking to witness, but caution and awareness are the best tools residents have while officials work to understand and mitigate the problem.
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