Avian flu concerns in Newmarket as health unit advises ways to protect residents and pets
The Town of Newmarket confirmed that dead geese found by locals were likely affected by avian flu.
According to Dr. JoAnne Fernandez, the associate medical officer of health in York Region, several birds have died in the Newmarket area, and two cases have come back positive for avian flu in Vaughan.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The town says its animal services team has been responding to reports of geese in distress at Fairy Lake.
"It's being monitored very closely, and so it's possible we'll see more cases likey in the bird population," Fernandez said.
While the risk to human health is believed to be low, the York Region Health Unit advises residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
One of the primary recommendations is to keep pets away from birds. Additionally, people with bird feeders should consider removing them to limit the congregation of birds and minimize the opportunities for infections to cross over.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says wild birds are natural carriers of avian influenza viruses, and while some birds may get sick or die, others can be infected and still appear healthy.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the detection of bird flu at a farm in the southern Niagara Region, prompting towns and cities to alert residents to the risk.
As a safety precaution, the Toronto Zoo closed its bird aviaries to the public, and all behind-the-scenes food prep areas have been temporarily suspended.
The health unit asks anyone who encounters a sick or dead bird to avoid contact and report it immediately.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says there are no confirmed cases of humans being affected by avian flu anywhere in the country.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.