Dead geese on Lake Lisgar confirmed with avian flu

Several Canada geese found dead in Tillsonburg have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian flu. Anyone discovering a sick or dead goose is asked to report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Forensic testing confirmed that dead geese found on Lake Lisgar were victims of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the University of Guelph, confirmed that dead geese found on Lake Lisgar expired from influenza. He said similar Canada goose deaths are being seen at multiple locations across southern Ontario, from Windsor-Essex to Prince Edward County. Most of the birds that were tested were Canada geese, but there were also some shorebirds, swans, and gulls. In addition, bald eagles, snowy owls, and great horned owls died from HPAI.

“It’s likely those were scavenging on birds dying from it,” he said.

The deaths are a continuation of the HPAI that has been circulating amongst wild birds the past three years. He said outbreaks appear at different times, but are mostly associated with migration.

“I think this one in particular is related to fall migration,” he said.

Stevens explained that the virus survives better in the winter and transmits more easily. Birds clustering together as waterways freeze facilitates easier spread of the virus. Die-offs have been occurring over the past month.

While avian flu outbreaks are relatively common, the outbreaks are usually short-lived.

“We usually see this run its course in a couple weeks at most, and then it lets up and calms down in that area,” he said.

HPAI has been ongoing for more than three years, with occasional flare-ups. It’s believed to have originated in Asia in December 2021 in wild birds. Although the virus is mutating, it’s not weakening as it usually is. Stevens was still hopeful it will eventually fizzle out.

Anyone finding a dead, or dying, Canada goose is asked to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at cwhc-rcsf.ca to report it. Ideally, trained professionals will be dispatched to pick up the bird, but in some cases, residents will be asked to.

“We do recommend people contact us before handling a deceased wild animal because we want to ensure they do it in the safest way possible,” he said.

With some Canada goose seasons still open, Steven advised hunters to use gloves when handling geese. He said geese with HPAI are safe to consume as long as cooked properly. More information is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/avian-influenza-wild-birds.html#toc7