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
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.