Two geese in Woodstock test positive for bird flu

Woodstock residents are being advised to avoid contact with wild birds and bird droppings after two geese found dead in Southside Park tested positive for bird flu.

On Tuesday afternoon, the city said staff had received multiple reports of sick or dead geese in the park in recent weeks.

The two geese were sent for testing at the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, after which city officials received confirmation both had tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

“We’re in contact with Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to continue monitoring and tracking any sick or dead birds found in our parks,” Reta Horan, supervisor of parks and forestry, said in a statement.

“We’ve also been in touch with Southwestern Public Health to share information and resources on protecting