The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) is investigating the deaths of several crows in Chatham.
The birds were found over the weekend along Grand Avenue and the Thames River. The CWHC doesn't know the exact number of dead crows, but estimates it's more than 100.
Brian Stevens, a Wildlife Pathologist with the CWHC, told CK News Today the exact cause of their deaths is not known at this time.
"It is likely either the avian influenza virus or the avian reovirus. For the reovirus, this is a virus that specifically affects crows, so there is no concern for humans or other species. With avian influenza virus, this is a zoonotic disease, so there is a chance of transmission to humans or domestic pets," he said.
Stevens noted that the risk of humans or pets contracting avian influenza is low. That being said, Stevens recommends that anyone who finds a sick or dead animal not approach it and instead call the appropriate authorities.
Several crows are being sent to the CWHC for testing. The results are expected to come back on Wednesday.
The chances of the crows being killed intentionally are slim. Chatham-Kent (CK) police explained they're aware of the situation but aren't investigating at this time.
