SIDNEY, Neb. - Avian influenza has been detected in the wild goose population in Sidney, and local authorities are monitoring the situation, the Sidney Police Department said.

Police said the department is aware of the presence of bird flu among geese in the community and is working closely with other city departments to track and manage the issue. Officials emphasized the situation is being actively monitored to prevent it from escalating.

As a precaution, residents are being advised to avoid contact with sick or deceased birds. City code enforcement and animal control officers have been checking areas where geese commonly gather multiple times each day, police said. Those efforts include removing and properly disposing of sick or dead geese.

Residents who observe sick or deceased birds are encouraged to avoid handling them and to report concerns to city officials.

The City of Fort Morgan, Colo. announced Tuesday a bird flu outbreak in birds at Riverside Park. The city is in contact with the Colorado Department of Wildlife and ask residents not to handle birds because of the risk of transmission.