Experts say toxic bacteria could be to blame for the deaths of hundreds of birds stranded along Georgian Bay over the past two weeks.

“It’s not something we expect, but it’s happening,” said Tim Leich, Tiny Township’s public works director.

In 2011, thousands of birds were found dead on beaches, and three years ago the city saw dozens more due to a deadly bacteria.

The township and town of Wasaga Beach, which has also reported dead birds on its beaches, sent crews to clean up, with help from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC), which will conduct tests for different types of bacteria.

Experts believe that bacteria was found in mussels present in the water and then consumed by birds.

“When the mussels die, the bacteria begin to produce the toxin. So some of these ducks are diving and consuming these mussels,” explained Brian Stevens of the RCSF. “And they get the toxin directly from them. Or other ducks eat some of these fish that have consumed the dead mussels, and then they absorb the toxin from the fish.

Officials expect more dead birds to wash up on shore in the coming weeks, so the township is urging residents to be careful when handling dead birds.

“Make sure they wear gloves, a mask, goggles and they also double bag the bird. So put it in two bags, drop it on the curb, notify the municipality with the address, and we’ll come pick it up,” Leich said.

Tests on the birds are expected to be completed in the coming weeks to confirm whether bacteria is indeed the cause.