There are many different bacteria, parasites and viruses carried by animals that can spread to humans and cause serious illness.
To learn more about some of the common ones found in our region, please follow the links below.
Avian Influenza (bird flu)
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease caused by a type of Influenza A virus which primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been detected in animal populations across Canada.
Brucellosis
An infection caused by the bacteria Brucella. These bacteria can be found in cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep.
Campylobacter
An infection caused by a group of bacteria that live mostly in the intestines of animals, including poultry, cattle, rodents and household pets.
Cryptosporidiosis
An infection caused by a group of parasites called cryptosporidium. These infections occur in a person’s stomach and intestines.
Echinococcus Multilocularis
An infection caused by eating the eggs of tapeworms called E.multiocularis.
Nipah Virus
Nipah virus is a zoonotic illness that is usually spread from animals to humans but can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people through close contact with bodily fluids (e.g., saliva) and close physical interaction.
Salmonella
An infection caused by the salmonella bacteria that live mostly in the intestines of animals and birds.
Urban chickens
This page contains information on how to safely manage live chickens in an urban space.