​​​​BRAMPTON, ON – To help protect the health and safety of residents and pets, the City of Brampton is providing safety tips in response to reports involving multiple deceased local waterfowl observed at Professor’s Lake and Reginald Conover Pond (McVean Drive and Cottrelle Boulevard area). It is suspected that waterfowl have been infected by Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). 

As a result, Brampton Animal Services​ will be consulting with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) for evaluation and is following community health and safety protocols. The risk of Avian Influenza spreading to humans remains extremely low, and there is no increased public health concern at this time.

The City of Brampton is providing the following tips and pet owners are being asked to take the following precautions:

• Keep animals away from any waterfowl or fecal matter.
• Do not feed or otherwise interact with waterfowl.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Keep dogs on a leash (as required under municipal by-law).
• Do not feed pets (e.g., dogs or cats) any raw meat from game birds or poultry.
• Pet birds, if not normally kept indoors, should be restricted to indoors.
• Bird feeders should be removed or washed with soap and water frequently to reduce the chance of bacterial or viral contamination.
  

Signage will be installed in public spaces identified as hotspots to inform residents about the presence of Avian Influenza. Additional signage will be placed as needed.

If members of the public discover deceased waterfowl, keep a safe distance and report it to Brampton Animal Services by calling 905-458-5800, using the Service Brampton 311 app (available on the App Store and Google Play) or visiting 311brampton.ca. For injured or sick animals, call 3-1-1 or 905-874-2000 (outside Brampton). Animal Services Officers patrol daily to proactively address sick, injured or deceased animals and assist residents in the community. After hours, officers respond to emergencies, including sick, injured or distressed animals, as well as active incidents where wildlife or domestic animals are currently posing an immediate risk to public safety.

More information on Avian Influenza can be found on the Government of Canada website and on the City of Brampton Animal Services website.  ​