Avian flu most likely cause of death for geese carrion discovered near boat launch

By Medicine Hat News on December 24, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

More than 30 dead geese were found near the Strathcona boat launch on Tuesday morning.

The cause of death is currently unknown, but it is speculated the animals succumbed to avian flu before being scavenged by predators.

The Medicine Hat Interpretive Program told the News that to see this many birds die at once is unusual, but geese are more susceptible to avian flu. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services were contacted by the News, but did not have additional information at this time.

Residents are reminded to give unfamiliar birds both living and dead adequate space, to reduce the risk of transmission, as the illness can be passed from infected birds to humans.

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