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CANADA GEESE PROBLEM

<strong>Q) Each year we have a pair of Canada geese nesting on our pond and, much as I like to see them, they make such a mess. I am also concerned that they could create a problem for my grandchildren who occasionally wade and swim in the pond. I am told that I can now legally remove the eggs as they are classified as a pest species and can also be destroyed out of season. I enjoy eating goose, so is this correct? B. FARLEY By email</strong>

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A) You are correct. Canada geese are now classified as pests and a family of them certainly does produce a lot of droppings and mess. As for the danger to your grandchildren, there is some possibility of salmonella poisoning or some other unpleasant disease through the droppings. However, my children had geese and a wide range of other creatures as pets and they survived. A little dirt is probably good for the immune system. I would be far more worried about the possibility of them contracting Weils disease from rats which may be present. If you enjoy a goose on the table, why not substitute some domestic goose eggs in the Canada?s nest next year and let them rear your Christmas dinner for you!