Special to the Times Vedette
On Dec. 9, the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) notified its members of a probable outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in the local goose population.
The email bulletin stated, “While the situation is unfortunate, we appreciate your support in helping us manage it. If you find a dead goose, please double-bag the carcass and dispose of it in the trash. Always wear gloves while handling dead birds and avoid direct contact. It is also important to keep dead birds and carcasses away from pets to prevent potential health risks. LPA, nor the DNR (Department of Natural Resources), has the staff or capacity to dispose of all the birds that may succumb to this virus. Members are not obligated to dispose of the birds, as nature will eventually take its course.”
The notice also stated that infected birds may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as swimming in circles, twisting their necks, not fleeing or otherwise acting strangely, and advised members to stay away from symptomatic birds and to not attempt to handle them.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises that outbreaks like this are best managed by letting nature take its course, given the scale and scope of the outbreaks in migratory birds.
