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Residents ask council about dead geese and possible bird flu; city says ODNR handles tests
Summary
Residents reported social-media claims of roughly a dozen dead geese in city ponds and asked if bird flu was present; city staff said no tests have confirmed avian influenza and that Ohio DNR has jurisdiction, describing dispersal and deterrent measures and promising to publish official guidance if provided.
During public comment a resident asked whether social-media reports that about 12 geese had been found dead in park ponds were true and whether the city would issue warnings or guidance if avian influenza was suspected. The resident said neighbors were worried about poisoning and asked who to contact if more dead birds are found.
City staff responded that officials had observed dead geese in local parks and had contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). "To my knowledge, none have been tested," the safety and service staff said, and "we have not received any information from ODNR," so the city viewed current reports as social-media speculation. Staff described mitigation approaches the city uses to manage geese, including contracting a third-party team with dogs to disperse birds, using deterrent sprays and ribbons around islands, and that egg-oiling or trapping requires ODNR permission. The staff added that if ODNR provides official guidance the city could publish that information on its website.
Council members advised residents they may contact ODNR directly to request investigation, and staff identified a city contact for reporting dead birds. An environmental-technology–trained council member noted feeding geese can keep them from migrating and that cold snaps can result in local deaths. The council offered condolence remarks for recent community deaths and then moved on to other business.
