Stratford swan dies of avian flu

The Metropolis of Stratford is urging residents and guests to not feed native waterfowl together with geese, geese and swans after one its swans died of avian influenza.

In a media launch, town stated it misplaced considered one of its younger swans earlier this month. Testing has now confirmed that it died of avian influenza.

A number of wild turkey vultures alongside the Avon River in Stratford, in addition to a bald eagle in close by St. Marys have additionally died not too long ago because of the virus, town stated.

“Hand feeding encourages birds to congregate round meals sources, and might enhance the chance of transmission of the Avian Influenza virus, often known as the ‘hen flu,’” town stated.

The swans have been a fixture in Stratford since 1918 and are most well-known for his or her annual spring parade, which historically attracts giant crowds.

Town additionally offered this record of indicators of avian flu in birds “folks ought to look out for”:

  • nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination
  • swelling across the head, neck and eyes
  • lack of power or motion
  • coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
  • diarrhea or
  • sudden loss of life

Twenty-one swans make their manner towards the Avon River throughout the Stratford Swan Parade on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

Anybody who finds a lifeless, injured or sick swan within the parks system is requested to name the Metropolis of Stratford’s Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Supervisor at 519-271-0250 extension 246.

If a sick or lifeless wild hen is discovered on personal property, it ought to be instantly reported to the Ontario regional centre of the Canadian Wildlife Well being Cooperative at (866) 673-4781, or on-line.

Town famous there's a very small danger of transmission from birds to animals, however folks shouldn't contact lifeless, injured or sick birds.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post