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'It's nervous times' as bird flu found in wild birds in York Region

King Cole Ducks lost 350,000 birds to avian influenza in 2022

Yorkregion.com
March 17, 2023
Kim Zarzour

The warm weather is here -- and so, too, is bird flu, a highly contagious virus that can be deadly for wild and domestic animals.

Dead and infected geese have been turning up across York Region, prompting municipalities and public health to warn the public to stay away from wildlife.

The viral infection avian influenza (H5N1) can cause mass disease and death in birds.

Mainly transmitted through the wild bird population, it can spread to commercial poultry and sometimes mammals, such as foxes, skunks and mink, who eat infected birds.

Rarely, avian influenza can spread to people.

Dr. JoAnne Fernandes, associate medical officer of Health, York Region, said the risk of transmission to York Region residents is low and, at this time, there are no human cases of avian flu in York Region.

Public Health is working with local municipalities and closely monitoring the situation, she said.

In Newmarket, animal services has responded to reports of geese in distress at Fairy Lake and stormwater management ponds.

The City of Vaughan is also reporting a significant number of birds that have died or are infected with presumed bird flu throughout the community.

Toronto Zoo announced this week it has closed its aviaries "out of an abundance of caution" after avian influenza was found at a commercial poultry farm in the Niagara area.

York Region-based King Cole Ducks is on "high alert", Patti Thompson, vice-president of sales and marketing, said.

Last year, the company lost 350,000 birds due to the virus.

With migrating birds returning to the area, and the virus "hot" in the United States, Thompson said everyone with poultry or backyard flocks is "supersonically aware.

"We all have to be super conscious, make sure that our tires on our vehicles are sprayed and disinfected when they go to a farm, our staff are garbed up and everything’s scrubbed and disinfected to make sure we‘re not bringing anything from outside in. It’s nervous times for sure."

Duck, chicken and turkey are still safe to eat, she added, but it’s important to remain cautious.

"Someone told me there’s enough virus on the head of a pin to infect 10,000 birds. It might be an old wives' tale, but it tells you one tiny mistake can be devastating."

York Region Public Health recommend steps residents can take:

Keep a distance from wild birds and other wild animals, and don't touch, feed or handle them, especially if they look sick or are dead.
Report any animals, specifically geese or birds, found ill or dead to your local municipal animal service and/or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
Consider removing backyard bird feeders and/or bird baths. If this is not possible, move them far away from pets and clean them with 10-per-cent bleach at least once every two weeks.
If sick birds are observed near bird feeders, feeders should be removed and sick birds reported to the appropriate authority.
Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with droppings from birds.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching bird feeders, bird baths or any potentially contaminated areas.
Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to limit potential of them encountering an infected bird.
If backyard chickens are permitted in your municipality, review preventive measures to keep birds healthy. Learn more by reviewing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s guidance. If you see signs or symptoms of the virus, contact your veterinarian.

Signs of avian flu include:

lack of energy or movement;
nervousness, tremors or lack of co-ordination;
swelling around the head, neck and eyes;
coughing, gasping for air or sneezing;
diarrhea; and
sudden death.

Additional information on avian influenza is available through the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.