Grey Bruce Public Health is advising everyone to avoid handling any wild birds.
This follows GBPH being notified that tests on wild birds, which were found dead near the Lake Huron shoreline in southern Bruce County, have returned as positive for avian influenza (H5N1).
Bruce Power worked with the University of Guelph and wildlife authorities to have the birds tested after numerous waterfowl were found dead north of the Bruce Power site.
While the transmission of avian flu from birds to humans is low, GBPH is warning residents to be mindful and not handle or touch wild birds while the threat of avian flu remains.
Even though avian influenza has been detected in wild birds in every province and territory in Canada, no human cases of the virus have been attributed to exposure to wild birds in North America.
"Even though human infections with avian influenza are very rare, it’s always advantageous to remind people to take steps to minimize the risk of potential exposure to this virus, such as by avoiding contact with dead or sick wild birds or animals," said Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.
To minimize the risk of exposure to avian influenza, people should:
-Avoid direct contact with ill or dead wild birds or animals. If handling ill or dead birds is necessary, wear gloves and place the bird in two sealed plastic bags. Avoid contact with any body fluids and feces. Afterwards, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect any tools (e.g., shovel) used in disposing of dead birds with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant.
-Report sick or dead wildlife to the CWHC at 1-800-567-2033.
-Follow safe cooking guidelines when preparing poultry/eggs. Always cook poultry to an internal temperature of 74°C to ensure safety from potential pathogens.
-Not handle or eat animals that appear sick or have died from unknown causes.
-Keep pets away from sick or dead birds or wildlife and keep dogs leashed when outside to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds.
-Monitor domestic birds for signs of illness and follow Canadian Government recommendations.
Avian Influenza can be a significant burden to poultry farms, as the disease can pass to poultry from wild birds. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminds people to contact them if they suspect their birds, such as chickens, have avian influenza.