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The City of St. Thomas is warning residents to avoid contact with wild birds and bird droppings after a Canada goose tested positive for avian flu.
The bird was found at a pond near the Fanshawe College campus on Bill Martyn Parkway.
Port Stanley has been dealing with a similar situation in the harbour area.
City staff note that several sick and deceased birds have recently been reported in the community. While some tests have been inconclusive, this confirmed case highlights the importance of vigilance.
The risk of avian flu transmission to humans remains very low and human infections typically only occur following close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
In a media release, Mayor Joe Preston advised, “The City of St. Thomas is closely monitoring the situation in partnership with local and provincial agencies. We are taking the necessary steps to protect both the public and wildlife, and we encourage residents to follow the safety precautions outlined by health authorities.”
Residents are reminded of the following safety measures in consultation with Southwestern Public Health:
• Avoid touching wild birds or their droppings.
• Keep pets away from wild birds and areas where birds gather.
• Do not handle sick, injured, or deceased birds.
• Report sick or dead birds to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781 or online.
• Contact your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms and have had contact with a sick or dead bird or animal in the past 10 days.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans are similar to seasonal flu and may include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, red eyes, and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and seizures.
For more information about avian influenza and how to protect yourself, visit Southwestern Public Health’s infectious diseases page at http://swpublichealth.ca
