Bird flu case confirmed, 5 more suspected at Rouge National Urban Park: provincial agency

February 9, 2025 Canuck

Parks Canada says it has found a confirmed case of bird flu in a Canada goose at Rouge National Urban Park and suspects five more.

A preliminary diagnostic report of a dead goose by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative confirmed it was highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), says Rouge’s ecosystem scientist Jory Mullen.

“For wildlife, it’s a bit of a precarious situation — obviously, it’s highly contagious,” Mullen said.

“The virus can survive upwards of months in ideal conditions.”

Five other geese were found with bird flu symptoms, but Mullen says the park won’t be looking to further viral testing following the one confirmed case.

“From that point on, [we] can suspect that the rest that are exhibiting those clinical symptoms are also suffering from HPAI,” she said.

There have been mounting cases of bird flu globally this winter, including in the U.S., where the virus’s most prominent subtype, H5N1, has affected the cattle and poultry industry. Though it’s impacted Canadians less, cases in Ontario and the GTA present a serious risk to animals and pets, Mullen says.

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During an outbreak of the virus in 2023, a dog in Oshawa died after being infected with bird flu.

“It’s horrible because I’m sure those owners did not in any way think their dog coming into contact with a dead bird would lead to the death of their sweet dog,” Mullen said.

The virus can spread between animals through fecal matter, saliva and mucous membranes, Mullen says. It can even spread from dead animals, as it could be harboured in their bodies.

Though pets and animals are particularly at risk, “there is a relatively low risk for humans to contract the disease,” said Andrea Kirkwood, a professor of biological sciences at Ontario Tech University whose lab tracks viruses in the environment.

“The main message is just for people not to get too concerned,” she said.

Two swans swim inside Rouge National Urban Park. — Wildlife is particularly at risk of contracting avian influenza. (Submitted by Parks Canada)

Although there have been no cases of bird flu in humans in Ontario this year, Mullen says people should avoid approaching wildlife, whether it’s dead or alive. Those who have come into contact with a sick bird or animal should disinfect their hands and seek medical attention, especially if they’re experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Kirkwood says pets should stay on their leashes during park visits and be kept away from all dead animals. Mullen adds people should also take measures to protect their outdoor cats.

Toronto Zoo continue efforts to protect animals

Rolling outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been ongoing since the early 2020s and because of that, the Toronto Zoo has stayed prepared to protect its animals, says Dr. Nic Masters, the zoo’s director of wildlife health.

“COVID was devastating for people, but this is kind of the equivalent if you’re a wild bird,” Masters said.

A small penguin is standing. — The Toronto Zoo has adopted several measures to ensure its animals are protected from contracting bird flu, says the zoo’s director of wildlife health Nic Masters. (Submitted by Toronto Zoo)

The Toronto Zoo is in a particularly vulnerable position as it’s located within the Rouge Valley and is frequently visited by flocks of wild Canadian geese.

Masters says staff have been wearing personal protective equipment and changing them between visits to animal enclosures. There have also been efforts to keep birds away from humans and outdoor birds.

The bird pavilion has netting to keep some separation between guests, while penguins are now exclusively fed indoors to prevent gulls and other species from getting too close, he says.

The zoo is also contributing to provincial-wide virus tracking by examining sick, injured or dead wild birds found on its property.

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People can also help out by reporting sick, deceased and injured birds to Parks Canada or 311.

Some infected animals may exhibit unusual behaviour — anything from the bird moving uncontrollably or isolating by itself and not moving at all, Mullen says.

“If it’s strange, report it,” she said.

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Canada News

Bird flu case confirmed, 5 more suspected at Rouge National Urban Park: provincial agency

Toronto Zoo continue efforts to protect animals

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