Bird Flu Confirmed in Two Geese at Crown Memorial State Beach

Published on October 23, 2026

City Shares Safety Precautions for Residents, Families, and Park Visitors 

Two Canada geese collected from the Crab Cove area of Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach have tested positive for bird flu, according to Alameda County Vector Control. The geese were collected on October 8 and October 12.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a virus that primarily affects birds, including ducks and geese. According to the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD), the risk to the general public remains low. However, people can become infected through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Alameda is located along the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route for birds traveling along the West Coast. The San Francisco Bay provides important habitat for geese, ducks, and other waterfowl, all of which are legally protected wildlife. While many birds migrate through the region, some Canada geese live in the Bay Area year-round. Because these birds are protected, management options are restricted, and the public is urged not to handle, feed, or relocate them. 

The City is working with Alameda County Public Health, Alameda County Vector Control, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and East Bay Regional Park District to keep residents informed and share appropriate safety precautions. 

How to Stay Safe

Residents visiting parks, beaches, athletic fields, and other outdoor spaces are encouraged to take these precautions:

• Stay away from sick or dead birds. Do not touch, pick up, or attempt to rescue or transport them. Stay at least 50 feet away from dead birds.

• Avoid bird droppings. Do not touch bird feces or other potentially contaminated materials with bare hands.

• Keep children and pets away from wild birds. Do not allow pets to approach, play, or eat sick or dead birds.

• Wash your hands. Use soap and water after possible contact with birds, bird droppings, or contaminated surfaces, especially before eating.

• Do not feed wild birds. Feeding geese, ducks encourages them to gather in large groups, which can contribute to the spread of disease.

• Report sick or dead birds. Contact Alameda County Vector Control at (510) 567-6800. Do not attempt to remove the birds yourself.

What About Parks, Athletic Fields, and Youth Sports?

The City recognizes that geese frequently gather in Alameda's parks and athletic fields, sometimes leaving large amounts of droppings on playing surfaces. We understand that families, coaches, athletes, and other park visitors may have questions about outdoor activities.

Public health officials have reiterated that the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low. City parks and athletic fields remain open, and residents can continue enjoying outdoor activities while taking simple precautions. These include avoiding contact with wild birds and their droppings and washing hands after outdoor activities, particularly before eating or drinking.

Restrooms and handwashing facilities are available at City athletic fields. Additional handwashing stations have also been made available at the multipurpose field at Alameda Point and near the soccer field at Rittler Park.

The City continues to coordinate with Alameda County Public Health to ensure information shared with residents and youth sports organizations is consistent with current public health recommendations.

How to Report Sick or Dead Birds

If you see a sick or dead birds, do not touch, move, or transport it.

Contact Alameda County Vector Control at (510) 567-6800 to report the bird. Be prepared to provide its location and, if possible, a photograph taken from a safe distance. 

Where to Find More Information

East Bay Regional Park District is monitoring the situation at Crown Memorial State Beach and has shared safety precautions for visitors. 

The City of Alameda will continue working with public health and regional partners and share updates with the community as new information becomes available. 

For more information about bird flu, including health risks and ways to protect yourself, visit the Alameda County Health, Public Health Department's Avian Flu webpage.