Canadian goose tests positive for bird flu in Tottenham, Ont.

A Canada goose shakes his feathers as he swims on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS /Jonathan Hayward)

A goose found floating in the Tottenham Pond in the Tottenham Conservation Area has tested positive for avian influenza.

Tottenham town staff are working in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) to monitor the conservation area.

Tottenham staff are asking the public to avoid ponds and waterfowl habitats at this time.

While the risk of transmission to humans is low, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following precautions:

• Do not handle sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife and ensure dogs are leashed
• Keep cats indoors
• Do not feed or interact with waterfowl
• Do not feed pets raw meat from game birds or poultry
• Restrict pet birds to indoors if they are normally kept outside
• Remove bird feeders
• If you encounter sick or dead wildlife, do not touch them.

Report sightings and obtain more information by contacting the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781.