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
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.