YOUNGSTOWN - The Mill Creek MetroParks is urging parkgoers to use caution because of a bird flu outbreak.

The bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is a highly contagious disease that can spread between birds and other forms of wildlife and even humans if they come into contact with the carrier.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bird flu is causing outbreaks across the country.

Last week, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officers began investigating concerns of a bird flu outbreak in the City of Warren after 40 geese were found dead in its parks.

The Natural Resources Manager with the Mill Creek MetroParks, Rachel Sobnosky, tells 21 News there are currently no reports of dead birds at the park.

Sobnosky is urging people who visit the park to use caution, and if they find a dead bird, to keep a safe distance, do not touch or attempt to move the bird, and keep pets at a safe distance.

If a dead or sickly bird is found at the park, Sobnosky encourages the finder to email rsobnosky@millcreekmetroparks.org to report it.

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