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Carroll Park in Thornwood was originally closed on Sunday, February 2 after a dozen Canada geese were found dead, later confirmed to have tested positive for two strains of avian flu by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as Daily Voice previously reported.
To eliminate any potential contamination, municipal workers decontaminated all frequently touched surfaces in the park using a hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant spray, a substance known for its effectiveness against viruses, including COVID-19, Mount Pleasant town officials said in an announcement on Tuesday, March 11.
The DEC also confirmed that rising temperatures will naturally help inactivate the avian flu virus, further ensuring the park’s safety for visitors, officials said.
“The health and safety of our residents is our absolute top priority,” said Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi, who continued, "Our municipal employees went beyond the required measures to ensure Carroll Park was safe for public use. We understand the concern this outbreak caused, and we wanted to take every step to provide peace of mind to our community.”
While the park is reopening, officials are urging continued caution. Residents who encounter a dead goose in a public park or on Town property should call the Mount Pleasant Police Department at 914-769-1941. If a dead bird is found on private property, residents should report it to the New York State DEC.
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