Diseases Canada Geese Carry

With a large population of Canada Geese in the Columbus, Ohio area, it is important to be aware of the diseases they may bring to our area. With potential health risks involved, it is also important to note how to avoid contracting anything they may carry. While some geese are migratory, about 67% of Canada Geese call Columbus, Ohio their permanent home. Combine that with their ability to leave behind about 1.5 pounds of feces per day, and you have potential for adverse health effects. Our goal is to educate the public so that we can coexist with these birds in a peaceful and harmless way.

Bacteria

One of the harmful diseases that Canada Geese can carry are parasites. These come in the form of chlamydiosis, e-coli, listeria, pasteurella multocida and salmonella. There are three ways these birds shed these bacteria:

• Feces
• Nasal discharge
• Biting

Because e-coli is so closely correlated to temperature, the likelihood of its presence is much higher during the warmer months rather than in the cold. These bacteria usually manifest themselves in humans through pneumonia or a wound. The risk of contracting any of these diseases, however, is low unless you deal directly with the feces of geese.

Parasites

The types of parasites that geese can carry are cryptosporidium, giardia and toxoplasmosis. The symptoms from these parasites include diarrhea and infection, especially if your immune system is low. The ways infection can occur is through eating a goose that is under-cooked or drinking contaminated water. If you have plans to swim in any lake, pond, or beach area that has geese present, use caution.

Viruses

Canada Geese belong to the group of birds that can contract avian influenza, more commonly known as foul plague. In 2004, Canada Geese were confirmed to have the possibility to contract H5N1, a type of influenza that causes severe respiratory disease in birds. Currently, scientists are continuing research to help gauge the concern for this virus.

Protect Yourself

While some of these risks are relatively low unless you regularly come into contact with these birds, it is still important to know the potential harm and how to avoid it.

Avoid Feces

If you have to come in contact with geese feces, make sure you wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after you are done.

If children have been playing in a grass area that is frequented by geese it very important to wash their hands, shoes and toys they were playing with. Because small children frequently place their fingers in their mouths, good hygiene is imperative.

Clean Your Paws & Shoes

If you bring your pets with you outdoors in areas that have geese, make sure to wash the bottoms of their feet before you let them in the house. Let this rule apply to you as well. Clean your shoes before entering your home. Your carpeting can become a source if you are not careful.

Hire a Geese Control Team

This is our area of expertise. If the geese need to be harassed so they choose to live elsewhere, we can take care of the entire process for you.

It’s important to remember how important geese control can be. Whether it’s through bacteria, parasites, or viruses, Canada Geese pose a potential health threat if not dealt with properly. Contact us today for the best geese control methods in the Columbus, Ohio area.