There has been a “presumptive positive” for avian influenza in a goose from Cobourg sent to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
The goose was retrieved by the Town of Cobourg on January 3 and sent to the CWHC for testing.
At that time, Cobourg reported about 15 other dead geese in the area at the time. However, more have been found dead since said Communications Coordinator Jenna Matsuba from CWHC.
CWHC advises members of the public to no approach or handle sick wildlife and they should contact their local animal services or an authorized wildlife rehabilitator if they have concerns about a sick wild animal. If they find any dead wildlife, then they should reach out the CWHC either via email (on-nu@cwhc-rcsf.ca), phone (1-866-673-4781), or an online report (https://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/report_and_submit.php).
The bird has been sent to the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) to confirm avian influenza.