Dead Geese Discovered in Whitby Harbour

Several Canada geese were found dead at Whitby Harbour on Monday, and tests will be conducted to see if avian flu is responsible, as stated by town officials.

Whitby Animal Services picked up eight deceased geese near Port Whitby Marina on Monday, according to an email from the Town of Whitby sent on Tuesday. Staff arrived at the site after getting a report about the dead birds and will keep an eye out for more.

“Right now, the cause of death is unknown,” the town said in the email.

Terrol Maciver, a resident of Oshawa, mentioned she saw at least two dozen dead geese along with several others that seemed to be struggling on Monday morning.

“It was like a gravesite.. It was heartbreaking, actually. And to watch some of them die in front of me was – I’m tearing up now because it’s awful.”

Maciver added that she’s never seen anything like this before. Many of the deceased and suffering birds had their heads submerged in the water.

“I noticed that the seagulls were acting odd out on the ice surface. They were eating something. I thought that it was fish, and when I looked closely, I noticed that they were eating geese,” Maciver said.

A resident who first saw the dead geese said the deaths don’t appear to be caused by coyotes since there is no visible trauma on their bodies. (Submitted by Terrol Maciver)

Maciver reported seeing the dead birds to Whitby Animal Services. She believed immediately that coyotes weren’t responsible for these deaths due to lack of trauma on their bodies.

There were still some carcasses visible on Tuesday and they attracted hawks, eagles, and herons, according to Maciver. She expressed concern that if a disease caused these deaths, it might spread among other birds.

Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist at the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for Ontario/Nunavut Region, shared via email on Tuesday that more than 25 reports have come in regarding Canada geese found dead along the waterfront.

Samples from these remains have been sent for testing to their cooperative located in Guelph as per instructions from town officials. This cooperative monitors wildlife health and collaborates with government agencies when responding to such incidents.

Avian flu may be involved, says wildlife expert

Stevens mentioned in his email: “I can’t say for certain what has caused this mortality event but based on everything we know about it, we suspect it is related to an avian influenza outbreak.”

He noted that officials won’t confirm whether it’s avian flu until autopsies are performed on the birds but highlighted that avian flu outbreaks among geese are common during fall and winter months.

This virus can severely impact Canada geese and may also spread to scavenging animals feeding off deceased birds.

“You do have a number of geese clustering close together. It is cold weather. There’s more virus out there so it’s just much easier for these geese to come into contact with it,” he added regarding transmission risks among them.

In response, Whitby-area residents are advised against touching any goose remains while ensuring pets remain leashed so they don’t consume any dead wildlife.

Kate Novia , supervisor over bylaw & animal services within Town Of Whitby , urged residents not approach , touch or attempt aid towards any affected birds.

Anyone spotting sick/dead fowl around areas should notify Animal Services via phone (905-655-0283), providing exact location details.

On Tuesday afternoon , Brampton city authorities reported multiple cases involving deceased waterfowl located across Professor ’s Lake / Reginald Conover Pond situated near Mc Vean Drive & Cottrelle Boulevard area. Authorities suspect potential infections linked directly back towards avian influenza.

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