Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, was confirmed in more than two dozen geese and ducks found dead in Cobourg Harbour between Jan 3 and 6.
Jenna Matsuba, with the Ontario-Nunavut branch of Canadian Wildlife Health Collective (CWHC), says one mallard duck and one Canada goose, sent in by Town of Cobourg staff, were tested, with the goose testing positive.
Avian influenza can be fatal for humans. On Jan. 6, 2025, a Louisiana man admitted to hospital with severe respiratory symptoms became the first US bird flu victim after 66 confirmed bird flu infections nationwide. The senior had underlying medical problems and was in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.
Bird flu transferrable to dogs
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease also confirmed last April that a dog in Oshawa was infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after chewing on a wild goose and died after developing clinical signs. More recently, three snowy owls found at Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park were also confirmed.
Also, last November, a 13-year-old girl in British Columbia was diagnosed with H5N1 (Avian Influenza) after complaining of a fever and conjunctivitis in her eyes. She was initially discharged without treatment, but developed a cough, vomiting, and diarrhea before returning in respiratory distress. About three dozen people in contact with the teenager tested for the virus showed no evidence of infection. The strain the teen contracted closely matches the strain found in wild birds in the Fraser Valley area in October.
What to do
Those exposed to sick or dead birds or animals should watch for symptoms of influenza-like illness within 10 days. If these are being experienced, report this to your healthcare provider, noting that you are concerned about avian influenza.
Reports of sick or dead wildlife can be made to the CWHC at 1-800-567-2033, or through an online form found here.
Usually, local animal services or Ministry of Natural Resources staff will pick up animals, if testing is to be done, but anyone attempting to move animals themselves should wear personal protective equipment, including goggles, masks and gloves.
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