Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in wild birds in the Toronto area, posing potential risks of epidemic and pandemic proportions. Recently, officials confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 at Rouge National Urban Park, affecting Canadian geese. The threat extends beyond these birds, with experts warning of possible transmission to humans and pets if due precautions are not observed. This development has prompted local authorities and institutions to reinforce preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
The presence of avian flu in Toronto's wildlife is not unprecedented but remains a serious concern. The H5N1 variant has circulated globally for years, responsible for a pandemic that has decimated millions of birds worldwide. In the Toronto area, recent findings include two snowy owls found dead in December at Tommy Thompson Park, later testing positive for the virus. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has swiftly responded to such outbreaks, underscoring the importance of vigilance during migratory periods when the virus is most prevalent.
Dr. Nic Masters, a leading expert, emphasized the critical role of zoos in mitigating the impact of such pandemics.
“Although HPAI can infect people, the risk is extremely low. Pandemics such as this are one of the reasons why zoos are so important in maintaining healthy insurance populations of endangered birds from around the world,”
Dr. Masters acknowledged that the Toronto Zoo had anticipated the presence of H5N1 near its premises, given its location within Rouge National Urban Park, a habitat for many migratory and resident birds.
“moved to a position where we anticipate the H5N1 virus to be present in the vicinity of the zoo – we are situated in the beautiful Rouge National Urban Park which is home to many migratory and resident birds that can act as reservoirs for the virus,”
The Toronto Zoo has taken numerous precautions to prevent transmission to birds under its care. These measures include habitat-specific strategies to separate free-living wild birds from zoo residents and ongoing surveillance with post-mortem examinations conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. Despite recent confirmations of HPAI in wild birds, Dr. Masters assured that their approach remains unchanged.
“So, recent cases of HPAI being confirmed in wild birds in the Toronto area have not changed our approach.”
He added that a number of precautions are being taken to reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted to the wild birds in their care.
Public health officials also stress personal safety measures for those visiting areas like Rouge Park. Dr. Isaac Bogoch highlighted the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead animals.
“Don’t go near or touch sick or dead animals, it’s as simple as that. And as long as people adhere to those rules, you’ll be just fine,”
Dr. Bogoch reiterated that while avian flu poses epidemic and pandemic threats, proper precautions significantly reduce the risk.
“the risk to the general public of contracting avian flu is “extremely low,” if proper precautions are taken.”
He added that he’s not aware of any cases of the disease in Canada involving humans at this time.
Concerns remain about the virus's resilience under favorable conditions, allowing it to persist and spread across species, including humans. Nonetheless, experts like Dr. Bogoch continue to monitor each case closely due to its potential for widespread impact.
“the concern with avian flu is that it has “epidemic and pandemic potential,” which is why every case is taken “very seriously and watch[ed] very closely, because it does have the potential to spread.”
The Toronto Zoo's contingency plans specifically address threats like HPAI, maintaining vigilance since its emergence.
“One of these plans relates specifically to highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu. The H5N1 variant of HPAI has been circulating globally for years now and is responsible for a pandemic that, tragically, has caused the deaths of many millions of birds – both domestic and wild – around the world,”
“To protect the wild birds in our care at TZ we have been operating this HPAI contingency plan since this threat emerged.”
Besides institutional efforts, individuals visiting Rouge Park with pets are advised to remain cautious. Keeping dogs leashed and avoiding contact with wildlife significantly reduces transmission risks.
