“Ninety-six birds were turned away,” said Adam Parsons, director of Harrison Park. The city called the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to confirm the illness. He collected samples for testing and two days later confirmed that the birds were infected. The CFIA took immediate action to control the spread. “The primary focus is to contain the spread of this disease in Canada,” the CFIA said, noting that bird flu is “highly contagious.” “Any birds that do not die from the virus are euthanized and disposed of to prevent the spread of the disease,” he continued. The deaths shocked locals, including the mayor. “This is devastating news for the community,” said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. Britany Stevenson has fond memories of visiting the park with her mother as a child. Now, she shares the experience with her son. The situation with the birds made her cry. “I try not to look. It’s awful,” he said. “It’s beyond anyone’s control, but it’s horrible.” Stevenson is trying to raise funds to replace the birds for future generations to enjoy.
ROYAL SWANS HAVE REFUGEED
Six swans with royal bloodlines were spared, with pedigrees dating back 100 years, when their ancestors arrived in Owen Sound as a gift from King George V. “On May 7, 1912, a crate appeared on the docks in Owen Sound with a return address to Buckingham Palace, and when the three crates were opened, they found royal swans,” Parsons said. The CFIA said the swans will be isolated, quarantined and monitored for at least 14 days. Municipal employees who may have come into contact with the birds are also being monitored. “The disease in humans is quite rare, so the risk locally to people visiting the park is very low,” explained Gillian Jordan, public health officer at Gray Bruce Health Unit. The city has placed the site on a 120-day quarantine. Once finished, the city said it will begin plans to revitalize Harrison Park and potentially enhance the bird sanctuary.
