Uxbridge Township warns residents about Avian Flu in local geese

BRANDON CLARK The Standard

UXBRIDGE: With the autumn season just around the corner, migrating birds such as geese are returning to Ontario. Uxbridge Township is mindful of bird cases that are either deceased or infected by avian influenza (H5N1), also known as the bird flu. Township staff were alerted to Elgin Pond by reports concerning distressed geese. Avian flu has not been verified; nevertheless, the Municipality is exercising precautions when managing the avian flu situation because it has been detected in nearby communities.

In light of this, the Government of Canada has recommended steps for residents to minimize the spread of Avian flu in migrating birds. Stay away from wild birds and other wild animals; if they appear deceased or unwell, do not make physical contact with them. Residents must report distressed, unwell, or deceased geese and birds to Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control. They can be reached at animalcontrol@uxbridge.ca or 905-985-9547 during working hours. After hours, contact can be made through an answering machine. Follow directions to contact an officer. The Township will inform the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative of avian flu cases.

Remove bird baths and bird feeders if possible, or move them away from pets. Clean them with 10 percent bleach on a bi-weekly basis. Bird feeders should be removed if sick birds are found nearby. Avoid contact with surfaces that could be contaminated with bird droppings, in addition to washing hands with soap and water after touching bird baths, bird feeders, and contaminated bird areas. Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to limit the risk of them encountering an infected bird. Do not try rescuing birds in distress.

Avian flu is a concern for poultry farmers and those with backyard flocks. Information about poultry biosecurity and domestic flock protection can be found at www.inspection.canada.ca. The Township Animal Control Team continues to monitor the situation in conjunction with counterparts across the region, alongside the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. Animal Services in the Township of Scugog ensures the community is safe and healthy for animals and residents. The Animal Services program runs in partnership with Uxbridge.