Avian Flu

Two geese near a pond

Avian influenza (bird flu, avian flu) is a disease caused by the Type A (H5N1) influenza virus that can affect all bird species including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl.

Bird flu is spread through direct contact from an infected bird to a healthy bird. Bird flu is also spread when a healthy bird comes in contact with equipment and/or materials (including water and feed) that have been contaminated with feces and/or secretions from infected birds.

Risk to the public remains low

The risk of transmission of avian flu from birds to residents is low and, at present, there are no indicators of increasing risk to the general public. 

Avian influenza is different from seasonal influenza (flu) viruses and does not spread widely from human-to-human. There have been no human cases of avian influenza in York Region.

Rarely, humans can get avian flu and this has typically been through direct exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments, such as farms, live poultry markets and slaughterhouses. It is recommended that people working with poultry wear proper protective gear, including face mask, goggles, gloves and boots.

York Region residents are reminded to:

  • Stay away and keep children and pets away from wild birds
  • Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear to be sick or have died
  • Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces (droppings) from wild or domestic birds
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after unavoidable contact with birds or their droppings
  • Practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs); do not feed pets any raw meat from game birds or poultry
  • If you see a sick or dead wild bird, do not touch it or go near it; you can report a sick or dead bird to Animal Control or Animal Services within the municipality where the bird was found; be prepared to submit additional details (e.g., location of the bird, options for carcass submission) to ensure the respective municipality can arrange to pick up and submit the animal(s) for testing
  • Stay off all bodies of water as ice and water conditions are not safe; do not attempt to rescue birds in distress

Contact local Animal Services

Report any animals, specifically geese or birds, found ill or dead to your local municipal animal service and/or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative

Frequently asked questions

What should residents do if they find an ill or dead animal?

York Region residents can report any animals, specifically geese or birds, found ill or dead to their local municipal animal service and/or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

What happens if I find a dead animal on my property?

If you find a dead animal on your private property, first contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and their staff can advise on the next steps or discuss options for carcass submission or your local municipal animal service.
 
When disposing of carcasses:

  • Keep young children and pets away from carcasses
  • Wear rubber gloves or protective material (throw away after use)

Burial

  • Whenever possible bury carcass at least 1-metre deep to prevent animals from digging up the carcass; be mindful of buried lines; Call before you dig
  • If available, sprinkle carcass with hydrated lime to deter scavengers

Regular garbage

  • Small dead birds can be double bagged, and bags should be sealed
  • Carcasses may be disposed in regular garbage
  • After carcass disposal, thoroughly clean and disinfect tools (e.g. shovel) with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant
  • wash your hands thoroughly after handling carcasses
What should be done about bird feeders?

To reduce the spread of avian influenza, consider removing backyard bird feeders and/or bird baths or move them far away from pets.

Clean bird feeders with 10% bleach at least once every two weeks and then wash hands thoroughly after touching the bird feeder.

What should be done if a pet comes in contact with a dead or sick bird? 

Limit interaction between pets and birds.

Report dead or sick birds to your local municipal animal service and/or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

If you have concerns related to your pet’s health, speak with a veterinarian.

Are poultry and eggs safe to eat?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit avian flu to humans.

As York Region Public Health always suggests, practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs).

What should people do if they own chickens?

Wear proper protective gear, including face mask, goggles, gloves, and boots if working with poultry.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after unavoidable contact with birds or their droppings.

Who conducts wild bird surveillance? 

Wild bird surveillance is conducted through a collaboration between CFIA, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC); more information is available on the HPAI in wildlife dashboard.

Who is monitoring potential positive cases in birds at poultry farms/agricultural environments?
  • The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are the lead agencies with respect to tracing cases in birds on farms or in other facilities that process poultry; 
  • York Region Public Health follows any farm/agricultural workers who may have been exposed to avian influenza. There have been no human cases in York Region

Signs of avian influenza in the bird population

Birds infected with avian influenza may exhibit the following signs: 

  • Loss or lack of appetite 
  • Lethargy, namely a lack of energy or movement 
  • Tremors or lack of coordination 
  • Decreased egg production for poultry or pet birds 
  • Swelling around the head, neck and eyes 
  • Other symptoms such as diarrhea, and potentially sudden death 

Avian influenza has an incubation period in birds (which is the time from when they become infected with the virus to when they show symptoms) of two to 14 days.

View the Avian Influenza fact sheet

Resources

Cleaning and disinfection process for premises declaration infected with avian influenza

Government of Canada Avian Influenza page

Avian Biosecurity – Protect Poultry, Prevent Disease

CFIA FAQ documents on Avian Influenza

OMAFRA: Animal health update: Avian influenza (February 17, 2023)

Prevent the Spread of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Ministry of Health Avian Influenza – Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations