‘It’s a shame’: Potential bird flu outbreak leads to closure of Brockton park

BROCKTON, Mass. — D.W. Field Park announced its closure on Friday due to a potential outbreak of bird flu.

This comes nearly a week after 60 geese, swans, and other wildlife were found dead at the Billington Sea in Plymouth, over 20 miles away from the Field Park.

In a Facebook post, the park emphasized “PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ANY INJURED OR DECEASED BIRDS”.

The park closure comes after multiple reports throughout the week of dead geese and swans showing up in the Upper Porter Pond.

Charles Studenski, Chairman of Brockton Park Commission, is shocked and disappointed by the recent closure.

“I’ve been in Brockton 77 years, and I can never remember them closing the park.”

Studenski says that swans and Canada geese, specifically, are affected the most.

“We’ve had the guys out and the animal control has been up there. It’s a shame.”

Just 15 miles away in Norfolk, The town’s animal control office reported that two more geese, in not the best health, tested positive for bird flu.

Several other communities have been dealing with similar issues as well, with researchers confirming that multiple dead birds found on the UMass Amherst campus tested positive for bird flu.

There is no word yet as to when the park will reopen, as confirming a positive case of bird flu could take up to a week.

To report any possible sick or dead birds, the public is advised to contact the Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795, your local Animal Control officer, or visit mass.gov/reportbirds

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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