As birds start to migrate and animals come out of hibernation, the risk of avian influenza and rabies grows.
Medical officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Dr. Nicola Mercer warned residents to use caution when interacting with animals, and said they are closely monitoring avian influenza this year.
Peak season is typically when birds begin migrating north – especially larger birds, like geese.
“As they pass over, they interact with other birds that have stayed here for the winter or some of our domestic (birds) such as chickens or other poultry.”
She said avian influenza has appeared in domestic farms and large commercial farms over the years, and this year is no exception.
“You may find dead birds. You may be out walking or might find it in a park or in your backyard. I would encourage people to not handle dead birds and not let their pets eat dead birds,” she said.
This warning comes after a dog died with avian flu in Oshawa this week after chewing on a wild goose.
She said there have been instances of human transmission, but only from live birds in close contact with humans – never from a dead bird, so the risk for human transmission overall is very low.
For those who own outdoor chickens, she said transmission is easy from wild birds, and to take it seriously and get them tested if any chickens become seriously ill.
In terms of rabies, there were 715 animal bites investigated in 2022, the majority of which were dogs, though some were bats, skunks, ferrets, rabbits and livestock. Two bats tested positive for rabies
In total, 73 people received the rabies exposure vaccine.
Mercer said they will soon begin the annual wildlife baiting program, where small green packets are dropped in rural areas for animals to eat, providing them with vaccination against rabies.
