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.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Suspect shot after multiple people stabbed in downtown Vancouver: police
A 'number of people' were stabbed in downtown Vancouver Wednesday before a suspect was shot by police, authorities say.
DEVELOPING As police search for suspect, disturbing video surfaces after U.S. health-care CEO gunned down in New York
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
'Utterly absurd': Freeland rebuffs Poilievre's offer of two hours to present fall economic statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has rebuffed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's offer to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to present the awaited fall economic statement as 'utterly absurd.'
Minister 'extremely concerned' after Air Canada announces change to carry-on bags
Air Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year.
Canadian appears in U.S. court in decades-old cold case
Robert Creter made his first court appearance since his extradition to the United States from Winnipeg. He's the prime suspect in the murder of 23-year-old Tami Tignor – a cold case dating back to 1997.
French government toppled in historic no-confidence vote
French opposition lawmakers brought the government down on Wednesday, throwing the European Union's second-biggest economic power deeper into a political crisis that threatens its capacity to legislate and rein in a massive budget deficit.
Why are some Canada Post outlets still open during CUPW strike?
As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open.
Woman who stowed away on plane to Paris placed on flight back to U.S.
A Russian woman who stowed away on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris last week is on her way back to the United States.
Warm, wet winter expected in much of Canada, say forecasters
Federal forecasters expect a warmer-than-normal start to winter in most of Canada, with more precipitation than usual in parts of the country.