Three sick birds discovered in Port Stanley have had to be euthanized over the past month. The Municipality of Central Elgin (CE) has been receiving reports of birds looking lethargic and ill scattered between the lagoon, the harbour, main beach and a couple of neighbourhoods around the village according to Coun. Michelle Graham. One deceased bird has tested positive for avian influenza; however, it still needs to be confirmed by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) whether it’s a low or high strain of avian influenza. That sample is being sent to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to determine the type of strain. One of the biggest issues CE has been dealing with is the holiday break by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. They have been closed over Christmas holidays and don’t re-open until Monday. During the closure, some sick geese have been euthanized and CE but is awaiting direction on what to do with them once the CWHC re-opens. Municipal staff members have been collecting sick geese to help stop the spread. If an ill or dead goose is discovered, they are advising people or pets who may want to touch the geese do not get too close. “Staff are doing regular checks at the lagoon and beaches,” said Graham. Graham also posted on social media that staff are working with local wildlife experts for the ill and deceased geese. “In the interim, please do not approach, touch, or remove any of the poor little creatures,” the post reads. CE is advising anyone who comes across a sick animal before Monday to report it to them at 519-631-4860. As of Monday, they should contact the CWHC at 1-866-673-4781.
