Niagara Falls Review e-edition

Avian influenza found in Niagara flock

Residents advised to avoid handling wild birds, including those that are sick or injured

BILL SAWCHUK THE ST. CATHARINES STANDARD

Niagara Region Public Health is investigating a confirmed report of avian influenza in a mixed flock of birds, including chicken, geese and ducks.

A news release said the department is working closely with Ontario’s Ministry of Health Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to monitor and respond to the situation.

“Only those working on the farm with the birds are at any risk, and public health has followed up with each of them individually,” said resident physician Dr. Joanne Kearon.

“We are working with our provincial and federal partners to contain the infection so that it doesn’t spread to any other birds and, in turn, doesn’t pose a risk to anyone else.”

Public health said avian influenza — H5N1 — is a viral disease mainly affecting domestic poultry and wild birds such as geese, ducks and shore birds.

The virus spreading from animals to humans is uncommon but has been observed. The exact mode of transmission from birds to people is not known. However, most human cases of avian influenza have been traced to direct contact with live or dead infected poultry or their droppings.

While avian influenza remains rare in Ontario, owners of birds exposed to the outdoors should practise some routine precautions such as rigorous hand washing and wearing personal protective equipment as appropriate, the health department said.

Safety principles for people with backyard chickens or other domestic birds are available from the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry. Local municipalities also have information about keeping backyard poultry and associated bylaws.

Public health advised that residents avoid handling wild birds, including those that are sick, injured or dead.

‘‘ Only those working on the farm with the birds are at any risk, and public health has followed up with each of them individually

DR. JOANNE KEARON NIAGARA REGION PUBLIC HEALTH

It also asked residents to report any sick or dead birds to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 866-673-4781.

More information on avian influenza is available on two government web pages, including the status of ongoing avian influenza response by province, while the Government of Canada’s website has a page about protecting a flock from the virus.

FRONT PAGE

en-ca

2022-10-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-10-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://niagarafallsreview.pressreader.com/article/281513640039378

Toronto Star Newspapers Limited