The National Center for Foreign Animal DiseasesACIA revealed in a press release that the domestic dog died on April 1. Following the necropsy carried out on Monday, the presence of the H5N1 virus was detected.
The dog was infected after chewing a wild goose
. Clinical signs of avian flu were then observed in the dog shortly before his death.
Other analyzes are in progress, but the necropsy made it possible to observe a condition of the respiratory system
. It would be the only case of death of a domestic dog in the country due to avian flu.
Separately, authorities in the Region of Peel say cases of the virus were confirmed in birds this week following laboratory tests.
As many migratory birds return to Ontario for the spring, our investigation and response will continue.
says Jay Smith of the Mississauga Animal Service.
« Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease, which can be fatal to wild birds and mammals. »
It advises the public to avoid touching wild birds, even if the risk of transmission of the virus to humans is weak
.
No cases of avian influenza in humans have been reported in Canada and almost all such cases are linked to direct contact with infected birds.
However, pet owners are advised not to feed them raw game meat or poultry, and not to allow them near the carcasses of wild birds.
According to’ACIAthe number of cases of H5N1 virus infections in species other than birds remains low despite the large outbreak of the disease observed worldwide.
In Canada, these exceptions mainly concern foxes, seals, dolphins, black bears, wild mink, raccoons, porpoises and skunks.
Many cases of avian flu have been identified in the country last year. Several municipalities across the province have received calls about sick or dead birds this year, according to Peel Region.
With information from The Canadian Press