02/26/2026
Last week, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) successfully collected 4 deceased geese from Lake Wesley to submit for testing of Avian Influenza. The community manager spoke to a representative earlier this week to see if preliminary results could be provided, however, nothing was available at that time. A full report could take up to 3 weeks, and the manager should be notified of those results once they are known.
Additionally, Will's Humane Wildlife Removal has collected 14 other carcasses on both Lake Wesley and Lake Anne/Willow and will continue to monitor the lakes since it is very likely more geese will die. Based on conversations with both DWR and the licensed trapper, all signs point to a positive bird flu diagnosis. The manner in which the geese are dying - lethargic, intact and with twisted necks - and the number of them falling ill very rapidly, indicates that it is bird flu. DWR also reported that four geese recently tested positive for bird flu in Fairfax County.
According to DWR, bird flu does spread from species to species, so other birds and mammals could become infected, but it is highly unlikely that a human would. Owners are advised to avoid contact with geese and other fowl and keep an extra eye on their pets to ensure they do not eat any of the carcasses or f***s.
Please contact management at [email protected] if you see any dead geese, birds or other animals in the community so that we can properly address it.
