Dead goose found at Cobourg Harbour tests positive for Avian Flu
Photo by Josiah Weiss. Courtesy of Upsplash (Free Domain Use.)
By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 News, Local Journalism Initiative.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit confirms that a deceased Canada Goose found at Cobourg Harbour has tested positive for Avian Flu.
By-Law Enforcement Officers located the bird January 3, following reports of a large die-off of birds; including ducks and geese in the harbour area between January 3-6. Health officials warn there is no risk of transmission to humans.
“As of now, there have been no confirmed human cases of avian influenza within our district area, and we anticipate that this trend will continue,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, with the HKPR District Health Unit. “It’s important for everyone to understand the risks avian influenza poses, not only to wild and domestic bird populations but also to human health. We will continue to monitor the situation, and we urge residents to take all necessary precautions to protect both themselves and animals during this time.”
Officials remind residents to avoid direct contact with ill or dead animals, report any dead animals and to properly cook wildlife to safeguard against possible pathogens.
