Avian Influenza (bird flu)

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease caused by a type of Influenza A virus which primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds^1,2 Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been detected in animal populations across Canada, including poultry, wild waterfowl, and mammals, and in the United States in livestock such as dairy cattle. This disease can create severe illness in animals and humans.³

Current Situation and Risk

Avian Influenza (H5N1) has caused rare and sporadic infections in humans.^2,5 To date, there has been no evidence of sustained transmission between humans.⁶ Since 2024, there have been over 60 confirmed reported human cases and one death associated with H5N1 bird flu infection in the United States.⁴ In November 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed a human case of avian influenza, which was the first reported domestically acquired case in Canada since H5N1 first emerged in 1997.¹ Currently, in Ontario, there have been no laboratory-confirmed cases of H5N1 in 2024.¹

Can humans get Avian Influenza?

Although the overall risk of avian influenza (H5N1) to the Canadian population remains low, those exposed to potentially sick animals are at increased risk for contraction of the disease.⁵ This infection can lead to severe disease in humans.

How does it spread?

Human infection with avian influenza can happen when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when the virus is in the air (in droplets or dust), and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose.⁷ Individuals can be exposed to the virus through contact with various sources including: secretions (mucus, saliva), blood and feces of infected animals.

Who is most at risk?

Those at Increased Risk include persons:⁸

working with poultry (like chickens, turkeys and ducks) or livestock (like cattle and goats), on a commercial farm or with small farms or backyard flocks
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as rehabilitation, research, or conservation
working with wild mammals, especially those that commonly eat wild birds (like foxes, skunks, raccoons, mink and other farmed fur animals and some marine mammals)
visiting animal farms or live animal markets
consuming unpasteurized milk
consuming raw or undercooked meat

What are the symptoms of Avian Influenza?

Symptoms can include: ¹

conjunctivitis (red eyes),
fever,
body aches,
cough,
sore throat,
breathing problems
diarrhea and vomiting (less common).

Tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms and if you have been around birds in the past 10 days (especially if you have been around sick/dead birds or other wildlife).⁹

Is there a test?

Tests are available to detect avian influenza in humans which can be performed by your health care provider. For medical or health advice, contact your health care provider or Health811 toll-free at 8-1-1.

Is there treatment?

Antiviral medications may be considered after exposure to animals infected with avian influenza. Speak with your health care provider regarding symptoms, testing and treatment. For medical or health advice, contact your health care provider or Health811 toll-free at 8-1-1.

Precautions and Prevention

Basic Precautions for the general public include:⁸

Stay away from wild birds and other wild animals, don't touch, feed, or handle them.*
Avoid contact with sick livestock (e.g. commercial or domestic poultry) or other animals.*
Do not handle wild dead birds or animals, call Animal Control to remove the carcasses when on municipal property.
* If contact is unavoidable, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag if you must handle wild bird carcasses, and avoiding contact with blood, body fluids, and feces. You should then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect any tools (e.g., shovel) used in disposing of dead birds with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant.¹⁶
Avoid surfaces that may have animal droppings or secretions on them and always wash your hands after being in an area where birds and other wildlife are living or nesting, such as in parks or zoos.
Ensure all foods made with poultry, meat and eggs are cooked well and that your milk/milk products are pasteurized.
Although there is no vaccine specific for Avian Influenza, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Animal Control Information

City of Windsor
Call 311, or when 311 is closed (after 4pm and on weekends) please call 519-255-6326.
Municipality of Lakeshore
Call Animal Control at 519-728-5010
Town of Lasalle
Call Animal Control at 519-816-7627
Town of Amherstburg
Call Engineering and Public Works office at 519-736-3664
Town of Essex
Call Animal Control at 519-816-7627
Town of Leamington
Call Animal Control at 519-796-3013
Town of Tecumseh
Call Public Works & Engineering Services at 519-735-2184, ext. 142
Town of Kingsville
Call Animal Control at 519-796-3013
For county-owned roads in Essex County, call 519-326-8691.

Frequently Asked Questions

I work with birds. How can I protect myself?⁹

For people who work with infected wild birds or other wildlife, the following additional personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended:

*It is important to note that some species of birds may be infected with avian influenza and remain asymptomatic.¹⁷

Fit-tested and seal-checked respirator (e.g. N-95).
Eye protection (e.g., goggles, face shields, safety glasses).
Heavy duty rubber gloves when handling birds that can pierce skin with beak or claws, otherwise it is essential to wear rubber gloves or disposable gloves (e.g., latex or nitrile) for cleaning and sanitation procedures.
Impervious disposable gown or coveralls.
Disposable protective shoe/boot covers or rubber or polyurethane boots.
For a further breakdown of PPE for workers based on an activity’s level of risk, see recommendations in section 2.

If you become ill after handling animals, see your health care provider as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you have been in contact with wild animals. For medical or health advice, contact your health care provider or Health811 toll-free at 8-1-1.

Are poultry, beef, eggs and milk safe to eat?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest that eating thoroughly cooked beef, poultry or eggs could transmit avian influenzas to humans. ^11,12

To ensure protection from illness, follow safe food handling practices such as:

Cooking to recommended cooking temperatures will inactivate the virus if it is present.
Washing hands with soap and warm water before handling food, and after handling raw meat, poultry, or eggs.
Prevent cross-contamination and always wash and sanitize all cooking and preparation equipment after each use.

The CFIA has noted that pasteurized milk from dairy cattle in Canada remains safe for consumption and to avoid consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw milk products.¹³

How can I protect my backyard poultry?¹⁴

Prevent them from contact with wild birds and other wild animals.
Maintain cleanliness of the premises.
There are several other biosecurity measures for backyard poultry that are recommended.

Who do I call to report if my backyard poultry are sick or dying?

Bird owners are legally responsible for notifying authorities of serious bird diseases such as Avian Influenza. Call a veterinarian or your nearest Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health office if you suspect your birds have avian influenza. ¹⁰

What precautions should I take when hunting, handling, and eating healthy game birds?

To reduce your risk: ⁹

Do not handle or eat birds or mammals that appear to be sick or that have died from unknown causes.
When handling or cleaning game:
- Always work in a well-ventilated environment.
- If working indoors or in a poorly ventilated environment, wearing a procedural/medical mask ¹⁶ will further reduce your exposure to dust, feathers and aerosols.
- Avoid direct contact with blood, feces, and respiratory secretions.
- Wear nitrile or rubber gloves.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling wildlife.
- After you are done, thoroughly wash and sanitize contaminated tools and work surfaces.
It is important to fully cook game meat, organs or eggs. Cooking meat thoroughly will inactivate the virus, if present.
- Cook game meat pieces and cuts to an internal temperature of 74°C (165° F).
- Cook whole birds to an internal temperature of 82°C (180° F).
For additional information see Wildlife and avian influenza - handling guidelines.
If you become ill after handling birds, see your health care provider as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you have been in contact with wild birds. For medical or health advice, contact your health care provider or Health811 toll-free at 8-1-1.

What should I do if I find a dead wild bird in my backyard or in a park?

As a general guideline, do not touch live, sick, or dead wild birds.¹⁶
Report any dead or sick birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative by calling 1-866-673-4781 or through the online reporting tool.
If contact is unavoidable, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag if you must handle wild bird carcasses, and avoiding contact with blood, body fluids, and feces. You should then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect any tools (e.g., shovel) used in disposing of dead birds with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant.¹⁶
If you find a dead animal on municipal property, contact your local municipality for pick-up.

What are some recommendations for pet owners?¹⁵

contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your pet's health.
don't allow your dog or cat to eat or play with dead wild animals.
don't feed your dog or cat any raw meat from poultry, wild or game birds or unpasteurized milk.
especially during peak migration seasons, keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to avoid giving them access to potentially infected wild birds or their carcasses.
For additional information on HPAI in animals (e.g., pet birds, dairy cows, pets) see HPAI in animals.