Will the “Bird Flu” Affect Me?
Bird Flu affecting Canada geese on your property
Canada geese and wild ducks are known to carry the “bird flu”, also known as Avian influenza and the H5N1 virus. The virus spread quickly during 2024, when hundreds of new infestations were reported by hunters who discovered dead or diseased birds. Geese and ducks can also carry the virus without becoming sick, spreading the contamination wherever they poop.
The risk of contamination is especially high around ponds where waterfowl congregate. Ponds and lakes with a resident population of geese — the ones that don’t migrate — are another risk factor. Resident geese attract other birds who feel safe landing on that water during migration. And the incoming birds – geese, mallards, other waterfowl — can introduce new strains of H5N1 to the area through their activities.
A couple of geese are typically a welcome sight in anyone’s pond, but as they attract more geese and other birds, the community of birds can grow into the hundreds. When geese are living in close quarters, diseases can spread more quickly throughout the flock. Reducing the population of Canada geese on your property will help interrupt the spread of viruses and fecal contamination of the water and grass.
How to protect your family
The Ohio Division of Natural Resources states “the virus does not present an immediate health concern, but avoid handling sick or dead birds.” Simple precautions like avoiding direct contact with bird droppings, feathers, or nests are a good defense against infection. Commonsense cleaning will reduce exposure to bird viruses and pond pathogens. Your best defense is to keep your hands clean. If you are at a park with a lot of goose droppings and excessive birds, consider cleaning your shoes before going into the house. Keep your dogs out of the water, and clean their paws before entering the house. To report a dead or sick bird, please contact ODNR.
Protect your property now by getting rid of the geese
Border Collie Hard at Work Chasing Geese
Getting rid of the geese now from your property, will help lower the spread of the bird flu and limit the risk in your area. It is important to harass the geese from your property daily before they become too
comfortable. The later your geese management program starts, the harder it is to get them to move to another location. Consistency and persistency are the keys to success. Remember, the geese you chase off today, may not be the same ones you are chasing tomorrow.
At Ohio Geese Control we have a multi-prong approach to managing geese populations. It is not one tactic that works alone, but a combination of tactics that are customized to your needs. These tactics are based on the time of year, how you use your property and the unique features of your site.
Contact Ohio Geese Control Today
Our Migratory Bird Specialists and Dog Handlers develop programs to keep geese off of your property and help limit the spread of bird flu. We service clients in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. With a track record of over 20 years of success and client satisfaction, we know we can get rid of the geese on your site every day of the year.
Contact us at 877-914-3373 for a customized quote
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