Experts believe toxic bacteria is behind deaths of hundreds of birds

Experts say a toxic bacteria may be behind the deaths of hundreds of birds that have washed up along Georgian Bay over the past two weeks.

“It’s not something that we expect to happen, but it does occur,” said Tim Leich, Tiny Township’s director of public works.

In 2011, thousands of birds were found dead on beaches, and three years ago, the town saw dozens more due to a deadly bacteria.

The Township and the Town of Wasaga Beach, which has also reported dead birds on its beaches, have sent teams in to cleanup, with help from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC), which will conduct testing for different types of bacteria.

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Experts believe that bacteria was found in mussels within the water and later consumed by the birds.

“When the mussels die, the bacteria starts to produce the toxin. So, some of the these ducks are diving down and consuming these mussels,” explained Brian Stevens with CWHC. “And they're picking up the toxin directly from them. Or other ducks are eating some of these fish that have consumed the dead mussels, and then they're picking up the toxin from the fish.”

Officials expect more dead birds to wash up on shore over the next few weeks, so the Township urges residents to be careful when handling dead birds.

“Make sure they wear gloves, a mask, glasses, and also double-bag the bird. So, put it in two bags, put it up in the curbside, notify the township with the address, and we'll come by and pick it,” Leich said.

Testing on the birds is expected to be completed in the coming weeks to confirm whether bacteria is indeed the cause.