Putnam, CT — State environmental officials are offering reporting guidance and safety information after a number of dead geese were found at Rotary Park earlier this week.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Mayor Barney Seney issued a press release via the Town of Putnam’s Facebook page reporting that 15 dead geese were located along and in the river at Rotary Park, 196 Kennedy Drive. The appropriate reporting forms were immediately submitted to DEEP, and the Northeast District Department of Health was notified.
Quiet Corner Alerts confirmed with DEEP that the agency received the notification, and they thanked the Town of Putnam for promptly notifying both DEEP and the local health department. An initial assessment indicates the deaths are likely due to a combination of harsh weather conditions and widespread Avian Influenza.
In January 2025, a similar incident occurred in the same area, when six dead geese were discovered. DEEP confirmed to Quiet Corner Alerts that those deaths were attributed to Avian Influenza (commonly known as bird flu).
DEEP provides extensive information regarding Avian Influenza on its website and emphasizes three key points:
- The food supply remains safe.
- The risk to humans is low.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its partners, including DEEP and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, will continue working to support states and agricultural producers.
DEEP encourages residents to report instances where more than five dead birds are found in one location or when multiple birds die in the same area over several days. Officials note that not all birds will be collected or tested, but reporting remains critical.
If you observe this type of die-off, in addition to completing the online reporting form, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.
Information on safely disposing of dead wild birds that are not collected for testing can be found at:
https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/avian-influenza#dispose