Avian flu found in Niagara region Friday
Niagara Region Public Health announced Friday afternoon it is investigating a confirmed report of H5N1 avian influenza “in a mixed flock of birds including chicken, geese and ducks.”
“Only those working on the farm with the birds are at any risk, and Public Health has followed up with each one of them individually,” Dr. Joanne Kearon, Resident Physician with Niagara Region Public Health, said in a statement.
“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.”
The region’s health agency says it is working with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to keep an eye on the situation.
Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird” flu, mainly affects wild birds and other domestic poultry like shore birds, ducks, and geese. It is uncommon for the virus to spread between birds and humans, but Niagara Region Public Health says it has happened before.
How it spreads to people is not known, but the health agency notes human cases of avian influenza have been traced to those with direct contact with infected poultry – both live and dead – or their feces.
Niagara Region Public Health recommends bird owners whose birds spend time outdoors exercise precautions like handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment.
Those with backyard chickens are also advised against bringing them indoors, “kissing and snuggling live poultry,” and are asked to sanitize their equipment frequently.
Ontarians can report sick or dead birds to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 866-673-4781.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.