What is Killing the Geese?

The RRA Board and Lake Management Committee have received reports of dead Canada geese on the lake and along the shoreline.  The LMC has reported this to the ODNR who indicated deaths of geese have been reported elsewhere in the state both this year and last.  The environmental specialist at Pymatuning was also consulted who reported dead geese on that lake also.  The causal agent is believed to be Avian (bird) flu.  Crowding of geese in open water patches of the lake tends to facilitate communication of this disease thus compounding the problem.  

ODNR advises collection of the dead geese to help prevent spread of bird flu.  Persons should wear disposable medical gloves when handling these dead birds.  Carcasses should be double-bagged in plastic bags with the opening tightly secured followed by disposal in the municipal trash.  After removal of gloves, individuals should thoroughly wash their hands with a germicidal soap.  Hand sanitizer alone is insufficient.  Masks are recommended.

Birds that might feed on the dead geese or that come into contact with geese can themselves become infected and die.  If RRA residents find dead eagles, hawks, and ducks, please report this to the RRA office so ODNR can be contacted and laboratory testing on the carcasses be conducted.