Officials from two municipalities in southwestern Ontario have reported that avian flu has resulted in the deaths of Canada geese in their areas.
The cities of St. Thomas and Port Stanley announced on Monday that tests for H5N1, conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC), came back positive for two geese found within their jurisdictions.
A goose was discovered at a pond near Fanshawe College campus, according to city officials from St. Thomas.
In December, Woodstock also informed residents that avian flu had killed a goose there.
These alerts come as commercial poultry farmers continue to address outbreaks that have led to the culling of tens of thousands of birds to curb the spread of the virus.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reports four facilities in North Perth and five in Strathroy-Caradoc are currently experiencing active outbreaks.
This virus can impact all wild birds, commercial poultry, and even wild and domestic mammals, including common pets like dogs and cats.
Human cases usually arise from close contact with infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments, according to federal health authorities.
Southwestern Public Health advises people and pets to steer clear of Canada geese, and anyone who has been around a sick or dead bird should report any flu-like symptoms if they had contact within the last ten days.
Municipal officials urge residents to report any sick or dead birds to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781 or online.
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