The Ministry of Environment suspects the finding of about 100 dead waterfowl near Elrose is a case of avian cholera or avaian botulism.

The birds, mostly snow geese were spotted Wednesday on the shore of a small pond.

The ministry’s Paul Spasoff says the birds that were still alive showed symptoms of the disease.

Spasoff says there doesn’t appear to be an outbreak like in 2015 as there have been no additional discoveries outside the Elrose area but notes the disease could spread.

Avian cholera is highly contagious to birds with only a mild risk to humans but the ministry recommends anyone handling dead birds wear gloves and wash their hands.

Spasoff says the ministry wants to hear about any similar discoveries.