03/22/2022
Avian influenza is a very real risk in Ontario right now. A hawk in Waterloo region tested positive this week. This disease is carried by migrating birds, waterfowl in particular, and may not kill them, but transmits to local bird populations. This is the time to step up your biosecurity practices. If you have backyard chickens, please keep them away from outdoor birds. Clean up any feed spills that would attract birds to your yard, and don't walk your dog in the park or by the stream where they are resting or nesting. The virus can survive in manure that sticks to your footwear or your dog's fur, and you could bring it home with you. Recently in Nova Scotia, AI caused 98% of the infected turkey flock to die. This is a federally reportable disease and could greatly impact our supply of chicken, eggs, and turkey, and our ability to export our products to other countries.