Municipalities warn residents to take action after hundreds of birds found infected with bird flu

Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket speak out on avian influenza (H5N1)

Yorkregion.com
April 11, 2023
Jeremy Grimaldi

Municipalities around York Region are warning residents after a “significant number of birds” have died or have been found infected with bird flu in Vaughan, Markham and throughout the region.

This is happening as a number of Canada geese are returning home from sunnier locales during the spring.

Vaughan, for example, is discouraging the use of bird feeders and recommending the removal of existing ones to limit the transmission of the virus.

The city is also asking that dogs be kept on their leash, all cats be kept indoors and bird baths be removed.

“Although some wild birds may get sick and die, others can be infected and still appear healthy,” reads a press release on the city’s website. “Avian influenza can spread to domestic poultry and can sometimes spread to mammals, such as foxes, skunks and mink, who may eat infected birds. Rarely, avian influenza may also spread to people.”

Richmond Hill also reports seeing cases of wild birds that have died or are infected with bird flu.

It is asking that people do not touch the birds, but rather report them instead.

As of April 1, 240 geese with suspected bird flu were removed from Markham; according to the town, 100 of those were found from March 24 to 31.

Both Richmond Hill and Vaughan ask you to report sick or dead animals to Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281.

Newmarket residents, a town where the situation has been highlighted in the news, are asked to contact 905-895-5193.