With spring weather and bird migration an increase in avian influenza, or Bird Flu is expected according to Peterborough Public Health.
On April 1st, it was confirmed that the death of a domestic dog in Oshawa was linked to Bird Flu. The animal had been chewing on a dead goose.
Avian influenza is NOT a significant public health concern, but you should avoid touching dead birds or water fowl and not feed pets raw meat from game birds or poultry.
“As of April 5, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is monitoring 2 suspected cases of Avian Flu involving a bald eagle and an otter. In 2022, two local poultry flocks were identified as infected in our region,” Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health at Peterborough Public Health confirmed.
Signs of avian influenza in wild birds include:
• Nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination
• Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• Lack of energy or movement
• Coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Sudden death
If you have a backyard bird feeder or bird bath, it’s suggested you remove them or a least clean them biweekly with a bleach and water solution (one-part bleach to nine-parts water) and wash hands thoroughly after contact with any potentially contaminated areas.
Written by Joseph Goden
