Two snowy owls that were found dead at Tommy Thompson Park in December have tested positive for bird flu.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority says that test results indicate the owls were infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, but they cannot confirm that it is H5N1.
“We only know that it is a highly pathogenic avian flu, which has been present across North America for the last few years. This is concerning because it is a contagious virus that causes high mortality in infected animals,” said a TRCA spokesperson.
The avian flu is typically found among birds in various countries across Africa and Asia, but has more recently spread to other parts of the world including Canada.
The TRCA says it is monitoring for other sick or dead birds at Tommy Thompson Park. Anyone coming across a sick or dead bird is reminded not to make contact with the animal to avoid potential exposure to avian flu and to call either the TRCA or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
