Markham puts up signs after dead geese test positive for avian flu
Officials in Markham have put up signs at several bodies of water where several dead geese had been located, warning residents to avoid the areas due to suspected avian influenza.
The signs are posted at Country Glen Stormwater Pond, Toogood Pond, Monkhouse Pond and Swan Lake.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Maxine Roy, a spokesperson for the city, said geese found at Country Glen Stormwater Pond tested positive for avian flu, also known as bird flu.
As for the dead geese discovered at the other three locations, Roy said the city is still awaiting lab results. Earlier, she did confirm to CP24 that rapid testing of the waterfowls revealed that they were infected with avian flu.
Roy said 160 geese have been found dead so far. She added that the city was first notified about a sick goose last week.
"We're continuing to monitor the area, the areas quite close closely. We're also working with York Region Public Health and other provincial bodies as well," Roy said.
She noted that the dead geese are the city's first cases of avian flu.
The signs advise residents to stay away from dead carcasses and keep pets on a leash to prevent them from entering the water and interacting with the dead birds.
Residents who see a dead goose or animal can contact the city at 905-415-7531.
"We are asking for members of the public, if they do come across a dead, diseased or injured bird, to report it to the city," Roy said.
"We are working with a contractor to help remove any of the dead geese as well."
Markham is the latest municipality in the Greater Toronto Area to report cases of avian flu. The deaths of two waterfowl in Brampton are linked to the disease. Halton and Durham regions also reported earlier this week about finding birds suspected to be infected with avian flu.
Health officials have said it is extremely rare that bird flu would spread to humans.
Last week, the Toronto Zoo closed its aviaries to the public as a precaution after a poultry farm within 200 kilometres was confirmed to have cases of bird flu.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.