Whitby, Ontario, March 22, 2023 – Durham Region Health Department is at present monitoring latest reports of lifeless birds that have been found in the Uxbridge location for likely avian influenza. In addition to reviews from Uxbridge, the Wellbeing Division is also mindful of other numerous dead bird sightings in other jurisdictions all through the higher Toronto place.

“As it is presently migratory time for a lot of chook species, people may perhaps detect higher than typical sightings of birds that are sick or in distress, or birds that are discovered dead,” explained Dr. Pepi McTavish, Durham Area Affiliate Medical Officer of Overall health. “The Well being Office is also closely checking this predicament regionally to figure out if any of the lifeless or ill birds that have not long ago been observed may well be contaminated with avian influenza.”

According to Well being Canada, indicators that birds may well be contaminated with avian influenza consist of:

• absence of vitality or motion
• nervousness, tremors or absence of coordination
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
• diarrhea
• unexpected dying

Residents who obtain dead birds on their non-public home are advised to bury or double bag birds and dispose of all carcasses in the rubbish. The General public Wellbeing Company of Canada endorses donning gloves when handling wild fowl carcasses and avoiding get hold of with blood, human body fluids and feces. Fingers ought to be washed totally with cleaning soap and warm h2o or use hand sanitizer. Lifeless birds uncovered on municipal residence can be noted to the nearby municipality for decide on-up.

Lifeless or ill chook sightings can also be documented to the Canadian Wildlife Well being Cooperative using their on-line reporting software or by calling 1-866-673-4781.

Pet proprietors are encouraged to keep cats indoors and pet dogs on a leash to protect against get in touch with with unwell or useless wild birds as very well as wild fowl feces and must not feed animals any uncooked meat from wild birds or poultry. Pet house owners can also seek the advice of with their veterinarian for additional data on avian influenza in dogs and other animals.

Inhabitants with bird feeders in their yards are urged to remove feeders from spots that are open up to poultry and other domestic animals. Additionally, if you deliver care for poultry, it is vital to prevent and remove speak to concerning wild birds and poultry by getting rid of outdoor sources of foodstuff, drinking water, and shelter that may well attract wild birds.

For far more information and facts about avian influenza, visit the Durham Location webpage or simply call the Durham Wellbeing Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

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Media inquiries:

The Regional Municipality of Durham:

Glendene Collins – Well being Office, 905-668-7711 ext. 2999 or [email protected]