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Halton Region Public Health is investigating a suspected case of avian influenza after a small backyard flock of domestic poultry died at a private property in the region.
Initial testing indicates the presence of Avian Influenza (H5). The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, typically spreads among wild bird populations but can also affect commercial and small-flock poultry, as well as other animals. Human infections are rare and have most often occurred following close contact with infected poultry.
“The risk of avian flu spreading to humans is very low,” says Dr. Joanna Oda, Halton Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Most human cases of avian flu have been traced to unprotected contact, such as not wearing gloves, protective wear, face masks, respirators or eye protection, with infected poultry or their droppings. I encourage residents to follow recommended guidance to limit the spread of avian flu in Halton.”
Halton Region Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure and help limit the spread of the virus.
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid direct contact with wild birds and other wild animals, and observe them from a distance
- Report ill or dead birds and animals to their local municipality and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
- If handling a dead bird or animal is unavoidable, wear gloves, place it in a double plastic bag and tie it closed. Avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water afterward
- Wash hands after touching bird feeders, bird baths or potentially contaminated areas
- Get an annual influenza vaccine
- Consider removing backyard bird feeders and bird baths. If they remain in place, keep them as far away from family pets as possible and clean them at least once every two weeks using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water
- Keep pets away from birds and bird droppings. Cats should remain indoors and dogs should be kept on a leash
- Avoid attempting to rescue birds in distress, particularly those found on bodies of water
Anyone who develops influenza symptoms, such as fever, cough or sore throat, within 10 days of handling wild birds or other wildlife should seek medical attention and inform their health-care provider about the contact.
Additional information and guidance are available online:
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
- Halton Region Public Health
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