Residents being urged to report sightings of sick, injured or dead wild birds with suspected avian influenza to Vaughan Animal Services
Township of King, Ont.— York Region is currently experiencing positive and suspected cases of avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in wild birds such as Canada Geese and ducks. With avian influenza present in York Region, other parts of the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada and the world, King Township is reminding residents to avoid contact with sick, injured, or dead wild birds.
Birds that become infected with avian influenza may show one or many of these signs:
- Lack of energy or movement
- Nervousness, tremors, or lack of coordination
- Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- Coughing, gasping for air, or sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Sudden death
Avian influenza is primarily transmitted through wild birds but can also affect commercial poultry and other mammals. While rare, the virus can spread to humans, typically after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, wild birds are natural carriers of avian influenza viruses. Some may appear healthy despite being infected.
To improve public safety, King has extended its agreement with Vaughan Animal Services to manage suspected avian influenza cases among wildlife in the Township. Residents are urged to report any sightings of wildlife suspected to be sick, injured or dead as a result of avian influenza to Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281 or via email at animal.services@vaughan.ca.
For all other concerns or questions about wildlife in the Township, residents are encouraged to contact the Toronto Wildlife Centre's hotline at 416-631-0662. King contracts the Toronto Wildlife Centre to assist King residents by providing access to expert wildlife advice, rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of returning them to the wild, and trained rescue of animals in dangerous or risky situations.
Safety reminders and preventative measures:
- Do not touch dead wild birds or other wildlife
- Keep a distance from wild birds and animals; do not touch, feed, or handle them, especially if they appear sick or are dead
- Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird droppings
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching bird feeders, bird baths, or potentially contaminated areas
- Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to prevent contact with infected birds
- Stay off bodies of water as ice and water conditions are unsafe; do not attempt to rescue birds in distress
King Township is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and wildlife. We appreciate the community's cooperation and vigilance in reporting and preventing the spread of avian influenza.
Learn more about avian influenza at york.ca/AvianFlu. For tips on dealing with wildlife, visit king.ca/wildlife.
To receive updates on King Township news, follow the official corporate social media channels on X and Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to the King Bulletin enewsletter or visit king.ca.
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Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca