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The City of St. Thomas is advising residents to avoid contact with wild birds and bird droppings following confirmation that one Canada goose tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu).
The affected bird was located at a pond near the Fanshawe College campus on Bill Martyn Parkway. Several sick and deceased birds have recently been reported in the community. While some test results have been inconclusive, the City is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
The City is working in collaboration with provincial and federal partners, a local wildlife rehabilitation specialist, and Southwestern Public Health. The risk to the public remains very low.
Residents are reminded to:
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Avoid touching wild birds or bird droppings
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Keep pets away from wildlife
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Not handle sick or deceased birds
Health-related questions should be directed to Southwestern Public Health.
Read the full media release here.
For more information on avian influenza and how to protect yourself, visit Southwestern Public Health’s avian influenza webpage.
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PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 24, 2025:
The City is aware of reports of deceased and sick birds in various areas of the community, including parks and stormwater management ponds.
City staff are working closely with federal, provincial, and local partners to monitor the situation and respond as appropriate. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
As a precaution, residents are reminded to avoid contact with deceased or sick birds and to keep children and pets away from dead animals. Any sightings of sick or deceased birds should be reported to the City.
Until January 2, 2026, please contact us using our after-hours phone number: 519-631-0210.