Dead Geese Being Tested For Avian Influenza

Some dead geese in Findlay are being tested for Avian Influenza.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says Division of Wildlife officials went to La Plas Drive in Findlay for a report of dead Canada geese in a retention pond.

The ODNR says the Division of Wildlife collected three of the dead wild birds and swabbed two of those for samples to send for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) testing to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The Ohio Department of Health says, while bird flu usually does not infect people, there are some rare cases of human infection.

Ohioans can report sick or dead birds at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or wildohio.gov. 

The ODNR says, while the virus poses a low risk to the general public, individuals are recommended to avoid handling sick or dead birds.

If you absolutely must handle a dead bird to dispose of it, it’s best to double bag and place it in an outdoor trash container.

Individuals should wear rubber gloves and an N95 mask when disposing of dead birds, and wash hands with soap and water afterwards.