Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating a confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in birds in Lambton County. Officials are working with the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to monitor and contain the situation.
Avian influenza is a virus that mainly affects domestic poultry and wild birds like ducks, geese, and shorebirds. So far, there have been no human cases reported in Ontario or Lambton County. Only people who have worked with infected birds are considered at risk, and LPH is following up with those individuals.
The H5N1 virus was first detected in Ontario in March 2022 and has since been found in other provinces, U.S. states, and countries worldwide. The virus is believed to spread mainly through migrating waterfowl.
Risks to the general public is low, but those who work with birds, such as farmers, should take precautions. People should avoid handling live or dead wild birds and keep pets away from them.
Residents who spot sick or dead birds are encouraged to report them to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-800-673-4781. Those with backyard chickens or other domestic birds can find safety recommendations through OMAFA. Local bylaws for keeping poultry can be obtained from municipal offices.
For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s website.