Stratford, Ont.'s beloved swans are being killed by kindness
Three of Stratford, Ont.’s mute swans have died since Saturday of avian influenza (H5N1).
It’s suspected that the adult birds died after contracting the bird flu from migrating ducks visiting the area around Lake Victoria and the Avon River.
“Avian flu is back in the area,” explains Quin Malott, Stratford’s Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery manager. “This is the most likely cause of what’s happening to these birds.”
The behaviour of some visitors to the waterfront is putting more swans at risk.
Feeding waterfowl along the water encourages the swans to mingle with contagious ducks and geese — easily passing the deadly virus between species.
One of Stratford’s famous mute swans, as seen on September 20, 2022. It’s suspected that the adult birds died after contracting the bird flu from migrating ducks visiting the area around Lake Victoria and the Avon River. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
“To protect the rest of our birds, let’s quit feeding the birds along the river,” urges Malott.
Professor Shayan Sharif from the University of Guelph says the risk that a human may contract H5N1 influenza is low — but viruses can mutate.
“In general for poultry and birds it is highly contagious, but not for humans. Not at least at this point in time,” he tells CTV News London.
The swans are not wild.
During the winter they are housed in a special facility by the municipality, but the presence of avian flu in the area may change how they are cared for this year.
“This winter maybe we’ll feed them inside, locked in, and then once they are done eating we’ll let them out, just so the ducks can’t get in there,” says Sharif.
Avian flu has been carried by migratory birds to most Canadian provinces in recent years.
Malott says his team has a bond with the swans, and doesn’t want to see people feeding them in the park lead to more deaths.
“We can’t do a lot, but let’s do what we can. This is a loss for us. Staff and myself aren’t taking this well,” he adds.
Anyone who discovers a sick, injured, or deceased swan is asked to contact 519-271-0250 ext. 246.
Meanwhile in Owen Sound, city staff noticed a bird in the sanctuary at Harrison Park showing signs of possible Avian Influenza which has now been confirmed by Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
— With files from CTV News London's Kristylee Varley
(Source: City of Stratford/Facebook)
To help prevent the spread of Avian Influenza, residents are encouraged to:
- Report sick or dead birds to the agencies listed above
- Do not touch or feed wild birds by hand
- Clean backyard feeders and baths regularly using a weak solution of domestic bleach and water
- Separate domestic and wild birds where possible
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.
Quebec officer suspended 15 days for throwing away piece of victim's skull
A Quebec provincial police officer has been suspended for 15 days without pay after throwing part of a young motorcycle accident victim's skull into a ravine in 2021.