Suspected avian influenza found in a Halton backyard flock; Public Health advises residents to remove bird feeders
A small flock of domestic poultry died at a private property in Halton Region. Initial testing indicates H5 avian influenza. Halton Public Health says the risk to people is very low but asks residents to take precautions.
The details
What happened
A small backyard flock of domestic poultry recently died at a private property in Halton Region, the Region said in a November 2 media release. Initial testing indicates avian influenza H5. Halton Region Public Health is investigating in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The release does not say which Halton municipality the property is in, how many birds died, or when they died. It describes the finding as suspected, not confirmed: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has not issued a confirmed designation or a quarantine zone as of this report.
Risk to people
"The risk of avian flu spreading to humans is very low," said 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."
What residents should do
- Avoid direct contact; observe from a distance
- Report to local municipality and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
- Wear gloves, double-bag the bird, avoid blood, fluids and feces, wash hands thoroughly
- Consider removing them; if kept, move far from pets and clean with a 1-in-9 bleach solution every two weeks
- Keep cats indoors and dogs on leash to avoid encounters with potentially infected birds
- Get the annual influenza vaccine
- See a healthcare provider if flu symptoms appear within 10 days of handling wild birds; tell them about wildlife contact
The Region also advises against rescuing birds in distress, especially on water.
For Oakville residents
Halton Region has not said which municipality the affected property is in — Oakville is one of four Halton municipalities where it could be located. Oakville's Lake Ontario shoreline and its major creek valleys — including Sixteen Mile Creek and Bronte Creek — provide habitat for waterfowl, particularly during seasonal migration. Residents who keep backyard poultry, have bird feeders, or live near waterfront or creek areas should pay particular attention to the Region's guidance above.