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HomeNewsDog In Oshawa Dies After Contracting Bird Flu

Dog In Oshawa Dies After Contracting Bird Flu

DURHAM REGION-The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease says that a domestic dog in Oshawa, Ontario has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.It is the only case of its kind in Canada.

The domestic dog was found to have been infected with bird flu after chewing on a wild goose, and died after developing clinical signs. The necropsy was completed on April 3, 2023 and showed respiratory system involvement according to CFIA. Further testing is underway.

The number of documented cases of avian influenza H5N1 in non-avian species, such as cats and dogs is low, despite the fact that this virus has caused large avian outbreaks globally over the last few years according to officials.

Experts insist, based on the current evidence in Canada, the risk to the general public remains low and current scientific evidence suggests that the risk of a human contracting avian influenza from a domestic pet is minor.

No domestically acquired human cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canada. Cases of avian influenza among humans are rare and almost always acquired through direct contact with infected birds or exposure to heavily contaminated environments. To date, there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread.

Owners are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect their pets and themselves.

Pet owners are advised to:

  • not feed pets (e.g., dogs or cats) any raw meat from game birds or poultry
  • not allow pets to consume or play with dead wild birds found outside
  • contact their veterinarian if they have questions about their pet’s health

The government says it is tracking avian influenza activity in Canada and around the world, with domestic and international partners, including the World Health Organization.

 

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Pamela Vanmeer
Pamela Vanmeerhttps://www.kawartha411.ca/
Pamela VanMeer is a two time winner of the prestigious Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Award. Her investigative reports on abuse in Long Term Care Homes garnered international attention for the issue and won the Ron Laidlaw Award. She is a former reporter and anchor at CHEX News, now Global Peterborough and helped launch the New CHEX Daily, a daily half hour talk show. While at CHCH News in Hamilton she covered some of the biggest news stories of the day.

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