10 dead Canada geese collected near Port Whitby Marina, town says

A flock of Canadian geese fly over Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby, Ontario, Canada on December 5, 2023. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

At least 10 dead Canada geese have been collected from a marina in Whitby as town officials try to determine their cause of death.

In an email to CTV News Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the town east of Toronto said it has responded to reports of dead Canada geese near the Port Whitby Marina this week.

So far, 10 geese have been collected and town staff are working with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to send the specimens for testing.

“Right now, the cause of death is unknown,” Erin Mikaluk said in a statement.

The town said they are monitoring the waterfront for any other birds that appear to be sick or in distress.

Officials are asking anyone who sees a sick or dead bird to report it to local Animal Services by calling 905-655-0283.

“As a safety precaution, residents should not touch or try to help the birds and should keep pets on a leash to avoid contact,” Mikaluk added.

Brampton aware of ‘multiple’ deceased waterfowl at 2 local ponds

The city of Brampton says it has received reports of “multiple” deceased waterfowl at two ponds.

In a statement published Tuesday, the city says that the unspecified waterfowl at Professors’ Lake, near Torbram Road and Bovaird Drive East, and Reginal Conover Pond, near McVean and Cottrelle Boulevard, are believed to have been infected with avian influenza.

“As a result, Brampton Animal Services​ will be consulting with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) for evaluation and is following community health and safety protocols,” the city said in a post to its website.

“The risk of Avian Influenza spreading to humans remains extremely low, and there is no increased public health concern at this time.”

Brampton residents are advised to keep their pets away from any waterfowl or fecal matter. Waterfowl should not be interacted with or fed.

The city says signage will be installed in public spaces identified as “hotspots” to inform residents about the presence of avian influenza.

Anyone who discovers a deceased waterfowl is asked to report it to Brampton Animal Services by calling 905-458-5800.