2 snowy owls found dead in Toronto park were infected with avian flu: conservation authority

Test results show that two snowy owls found dead in Tommy Thompson Park late last year were infected with a "highly pathogenic" avian flu, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority says.

The TRCA cannot confirm that the avian flu was H5N1, Karen McDonald, senior manager, restoration and infrastructure for the agency, said in a statement on Friday.

"We only know that it is a highly pathogenic avian flu, which has been present across North America for the last few years. This is concerning because it is a contagious virus that causes high mortality in infected animals," the TRCA said in the statement.

Steven Shpak, a wildlife photographer who posts to the Facebook group, Beauty of the Don, reported the deaths of the snowy owls on Dec. 27, 2024. According to the photographer, the owls were vomiting blood before they died.

On its website, the federal government says: "Influenza A (H5N1) is a subtype of avian influenza virus that mainly infects birds, but has been identified in other animals and has caused rare and sporadic infections in humans."

The TRCA says it is monitoring Tommy Thompson Park for other sick and dead birds. If members of the public see any sick or dead birds, they are urged to report to the TRCA and to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. 

If a bird is still alive and accessible from land, such as along a shoreline, members of the public should report the sighting to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, the TRCA says.

Reports should include the species if possible, exact location, including approximate GPS coordinates or a map, the number of birds, date and time they were found and photos.

"The public is reminded to avoid contact with sick or dead birds or other wildlife to avoid potential exposure to avian flu. Do not touch, feed or handle them," the TRCA said.