There is a relatively large waterfowl industry in Ontario. The industry ranges from large commercial production systems that utilize technology, biosecurity and disease control programs that are similar to other large regulated poultry industries. There are also a number of smaller commercial duck and geese farms that are less technologically advanced but still raise a significant number of market birds. Finally there are people who raise ornamental waterfowl, maintain aviaries or zoological collections or keep a few birds like swans or geese on ponds for their own pleasure.
Each of these groups has different challenges with regard to disease control. One of the main disease transmission risks in the waterfowl industry involves keeping birds outdoors with potential contact with wild birds. The waterfowl industry has received considerable scrutiny in recent years because of the bird flu story and the fact that certain species of wild waterfowl are the main reservoirs of avian influenza viruses in nature. Further, ducks infected with avian influenza viruses most often do not become ill but may continue to shed the virus in feces. There are many other wild bird diseases that can be transmitted to domestic waterfowl.
Most of the fact sheets on this site have application to waterfowl growers.The biosecurity and management facts sheets all are pertinent. The anatomy fact sheets may also be of value.