Reports of sick, dead geese around High River prompt avian flu concerns

Reports of dead and dying geese around the town of High River, Alta., about an hour south of Calgary, have prompted concerns about the spread of avian flu in bird populations.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds , including domestic poultry, causing significant illness and deaths, but it is wild ducks and geese that are the primary carriers of the virus.

In posts on social media, the town of High River is advising people in the community to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, keep their pets away from wildlife and local waterways and report any sightings of any sick or dead birds to the provincial government or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative by calling 310-0000.

Dayna Goldsmith, a veterinary pathologist at the Unive