The cause of death has been confirmed for Canadian Geese and other birds found along Jessie Lake last month.

The Town of Bonnyville was made aware in July of Canadian Geese and other birds along Jessie Lake being found deceased or acting ill. Alberta Fish and Wildlife was contacted and confirmed Avian Influenza was the cause.

Avian Influenza, sometimes referred to as avian flu, is a contagious viral disease that affects many domestic and wild bird species. According to the Government of Alberta, the risk to the public from the current strains of avian flu is low. Avian influenza primarily affects waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), and can spread to domestic poultry (turkeys, ducks, chickens).

Members of the public who notice clusters or groups of dead waterfowl can report them toll-free at 310-0000.

Clean-up efforts by Public Works are still underway and are being addressed as time permits.

As a precaution, the public is advised not to handle live or dead wild birds. If handling is unavoidable, use the following precautions:

• Wear disposable gloves or cover your hand with a plastic bag before touching the bird.
• Use a stick or similar tool to move the bird into a bag to be placed into your garbage bin for disposal.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
• Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the bird using alcohol, diluted bleach, or a commercial disinfectant.

For more information concerning Avian Influenza, visit https://www.alberta.ca/avian-influenza-reportable.aspx or inspection.canada.ca.