Dozens of dead crows are scattered on the ground in a roosting area near the Thames River.

Six of the dozens of deceased crows found in a roosting area along the Thames River in Chatham-Kent have tested positive for avian influenza, according to the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative.

The samples will be forwarded to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for additional testing to confirm the result, according to an email to CBC from Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist with the co-operative. 

“Based on these preliminary results, it is highly likely that the mortality affecting these crows is secondary to an infection with avian influenza (bird flu),” Stevens said.

The deceased birds were collected for testing by the Canadian Wildlife Service and sent to the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph for testing, he added. 

The crows likely became infected with a deadly virus by feeding on other deceased birds, Stevens said on Monday. 

It’s possible that other animals and birds — such as eagles, hawks and owls — could in turn scavenge on the crows and become infected with whatever they’re carrying. 

The birds are on private property, a spokesperson for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent told CBC in an email, so it will be up to the property owner to decide whether or not to dispose of the birds. 

Stevens advised people to stay away from the birds, keep dogs on a leash in the area and monitor any cats going outdoors nearby.