Winnipeg 
A domestic dog in Oshawa, Ontario, is dead after testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to a joint statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Olga Lukyanova/Pexels
According to the statement, the dog was infected after chewing on a wild goose and died after developing clinical signs. The necropsy results showed involvement of the respiratory system, and further testing is ongoing.
The case is the only one of its kind in Canada.
Public Health Agency of Canada says the risk to the general public is low as there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread, and the risk of a human contracting avian influenza from a domestic pet is minor.
Despite the virus’s global impact on avian populations, the number of documented cases of avian influenza H5N1 in non-avian species is low.
However, pet owners are encouraged to take appropriate precautions, including not feeding their pets raw meat from game birds or poultry and not allowing pets to consume or play with dead wild birds found outside.
According to the statement, the government is closely monitoring the situation, and the CFIA has activated a dedicated response team of experts to respond to the AI outbreaks and coordinate actions with federal, provincial, and territorial partners and industry.
Since July 7, 2022, HPAI detections have been reported in mammals, including foxes, seals, dolphins, black bears, mink, raccoons, porpoises, and skunks in several areas across Canada.
For more information, pet owners can visit the CFIA’s website.
