A questionable and disturbing scene was witnessed this past Wednesday by a local resident during her daily drive from Kyle to Rosetown. Upwards of 100 dead snow geese lined the shores of a body of water approximately 10 kilometres north of Elrose.

A conservation officer was seen collecting the dead geese on Wednesday and it was later confirmed they do not believe the myriad of dead geese is due to poaching.

“The Kindersley officer said he came across over 100 birds, mostly snow geese but some ducks as well. He said some of these birds were exhibiting symptoms of disease, drooping heads, drooping wings,” said Kevin Harrison, conservation officer with the Ministry of Environment.

Harrison stated they contacted their Ministry biologist, of which, it was suspected the birds had died due to avian cholera. Samples have been sent away to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to confirm the birds cause of death. Harrison said they are not sure when the results will be in, but are hopeful they will in be soon.

Reportedly, this is not the only instance in this area, approximately five years ago, a similar situation occurred.

“We kind of had the same thing reported back in 2015 in the same area, it turned out to be avian cholera – if this is that, it’s highly contagious to birds and mildly contagious to humans.”

Anyone who comes across birds who are showing symptoms of disease including drooping heads and wings, Harrison said to avoid coming into contact with the animal and call the TIP line at 1-800–667-7561. He said however, if mandatory to handle the bird, Harrison said to be sure to wear gloves and wash very thoroughly afterwards.

West Central Online is awaiting a reply from the Ministry of Health regarding risks associated with avian cholera for humans and other animals.