Lambton Public Health (LPH) is looking into a second case of H5N1 avian influenza found in birds in Lambton County this year. This new case is separate from the one reported on March 14. LPH is working with the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to control and monitor the situation.
Avian influenza is a virus that mainly affects birds like chickens, geese, ducks, and shorebirds. So far, there are no reports of humans getting the virus in Ontario or Lambton County. Only people who have been in direct contact with the affected birds are considered at risk, and LPH is following up with them.
To stay safe, people should avoid touching live or dead wild birds or other animals. Pets should also be kept away from sick or dead animals. If you see a sick or dead bird, you can report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781.
If you have backyard chickens or domestic birds, you can find advice from OMAFA. For information about local rules on keeping backyard poultry, contact your local municipality.
For more details about avian influenza, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s website.
Written by: K. Milhomens