Canadian officials reported the first dog to have died as a result of contact with a bird who had highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
According to a statement issued jointly by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), a dog in Oshawa, Ontario, tested positive for HPAI on April 1, which to date is the only case of its kind in the country.
The dog, according to the Canadian agencies, had earlier been chewing on a wild goose, and later died after developing clinical signs. The necropsy was completed on April 3, and showed respiratory involvement. Further testing is being done.
The age, gender and breed of the affected dog were not disclosed.
The incident occurred as confirmed cases of HPAI in commercial and backyard poultry in Canada are slowing. The most recent cases of HPAI in Canadian poultry were also confirmed on April 3, and involved two commercial flocks in Quebec.
Ontario’s most recent case of HPAI in commercial poultry was confirmed on March 15, in West Lincoln Township.
Other species of mammals to have tested positive for HPAI in Canada to date include foxes, seals, black bears, wild mink, raccoons, porpoises and skunks.
Ways to prevent HPAI infections in pets
CFIA and NCDFAD offer the following recommendations on ways people can protect their pets.
- Do no feed pets any raw meat from game birds or poultry
- Do not allow pets to consumer or play with dead wild birds found outside
- Contact their veterinarian if they have questions about their pet’s health
To learn more about HPAI cases in commercial poultry flocks in the United States and Canada, see an interactive map on WATTPoultry.com.
Read our ongoing coverage of the global avian influenza outbreak.
