Key Takeaways
- Several Canada geese were found dead in the Whitby Harbour, with testing to be done to determine the cause of death
- Avian flu is suspected to be the cause of the deaths, with a wildlife expert stating that it’s not uncommon to see an avian flu outbreak in geese during the fall and winter months
- Residents are being urged to avoid contact with geese remains and to keep pets on leashes to prevent them from eating the dead wildlife
- The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is working to determine the cause of the deaths and to respond to the situation
- Other areas, such as Brampton, have also reported dead waterfowl, with avian influenza suspected to be the cause
Introduction to the Incident
Several Canada geese were found dead in the Whitby Harbour on Monday, prompting an investigation into the cause of death. The town of Whitby collected eight dead geese near the Port Whitby Marina, and staff are monitoring the area for more. The cause of death is currently unknown, but avian flu is suspected to be the cause. A resident, Terrol Maciver, reported seeing at least two dozen dead geese and several more that appeared to be suffering on Monday morning. She described the scene as "heartbreaking" and said that she had never seen anything like it before.
Description of the Scene
Maciver said that many of the dead and dying birds had their heads in the water, and that seagulls were acting oddly, eating the geese. She also noted that there was no trauma evident on the bodies, which led her to believe that the deaths were not the work of coyotes. Maciver called Whitby Animal Services to report the dead birds and expressed her concern that if a disease caused the deaths, it could spread to other birds. On Tuesday, there were still some carcasses on the ice, and the dead geese were attracting hawks, eagles, and herons.
Investigation and Testing
The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario/Nunavut Region, has received reports of more than 25 Canada geese dead on the waterfront. Samples of the remains have been sent to the cooperative in Guelph to be tested. Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist, said that while the cause of death is not yet certain, avian flu is suspected to be the cause. He noted that it’s not uncommon to see an avian flu outbreak in geese during the fall and winter months, and that the virus can be passed to animals that scavenge on the dead birds.
Avian Flu and Its Effects
Avian flu can affect Canada geese severely, and the virus can be transmitted from bird to bird through contact with infected feces, saliva, or other bodily fluids. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Stevens said that the fact that the geese were clustering close together in the cold weather made it easier for the virus to spread. He also noted that avian flu can be passed to animals that scavenge on the dead birds, which is a concern in this case.
Response and Precautions
Whitby-area residents are being urged to avoid contact with geese remains and to keep pets on leashes to prevent them from eating the dead wildlife. Kate Novia, supervisor of bylaw and animal services at the Town of Whitby, said that residents should not approach, touch, or try to help the birds. Anyone who sees a sick or dead bird in Whitby is asked to report it to Animal Services at 905-655-0283 and include the location. The city of Brampton has also reported dead waterfowl, with avian influenza suspected to be the cause. Residents are being advised to take similar precautions to avoid contact with the dead birds.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into the cause of the deaths is ongoing, and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is working to determine the cause of the deaths and to respond to the situation. Residents are being urged to take precautions to avoid contact with geese remains and to keep pets on leashes. The situation is being monitored closely, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are advised to be aware of the risks associated with avian flu and to take steps to protect themselves and their pets.