​Public health reminds residents to avoid handling wild birds; take steps to protect against avian flu

Grey Bruce Public Health has been notified that laboratory tests on wild birds – found deceased near the Lake Huron shoreline in southern Bruce County – have returned as positive for avian influenza (H5N1).

Bruce Power, in collaboration with the University of Guelph and wildlife authorities, proactively collected samples for testing by the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative (CWHC), after observing a number of deceased waterfowl north of the company’s site.

The risk of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) passing from infected wild birds to people, remains very low. When human infections have occurred, it’s almost always following sustained close contact with infected live or dead poultry or contaminated facilities. In addition, there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread of avian influenza.

While avian influenza has been detected in wild birds in every province and territory in Canada, no human cases of the virus have been attributed to exposure to wild birds in North America.

However, public health is reminding people to exercise caution if interacting with wild birds.

“We thank Bruce Power for proactively working to determine the cause of this mortality event involving a number of waterfowl and for notifying Grey Bruce Public Health about the test results,” says senior public health manager Andrew Barton.

“Even though human infections with avian influenza are very rare, it’s always advantageous to remind people to take steps to minimize the risk of potential exposure to this virus, such as by avoiding contact with dead or sick wild birds or animals.”

Wild birds are natural carriers of avian influenza viruses. Although a majority of these birds exhibit no symptoms, the disease can cause wild bird deaths. From Jan. 1 to March 11, 2025, the CWHC dead bird survey identified 145 birds positive for avian influenza in Ontario.

H5N1 continues to circulate worldwide with ongoing detection in various wild, domestic, and backyard bird populations. The virus has also been detected in various wild and domestic mammalian species.

In November, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed a human case of avian influenza caused by H5N1 in Canada. It was the first reported domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Canada since the virus first emerged in humans in 1997.

To minimize the risk of exposure to avian influenza, people should:
        

• Avoid direct contact with ill or dead wild birds or animals. If handling ill or dead birds is necessary, wear gloves and place the bird in two sealed plastic bags. Avoid contact with any body fluids and feces. Afterwards, wash 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. 
• Report sick or dead wildlife to the CWHC at 1-800-567-2033. 
• Follow safe cooking guidelines when preparing poultry/eggs. Always cook poultry to an internal temperature of 74°C to ensure safety from potential pathogens. 
• Not handle or eat animals that appear sick or have died from unknown causes. 
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds or wildlife and keep dogs leashed when outside to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds. 
• Monitor domestic birds for signs of illness and follow Canadian Government recommendations.

Avian influenza can be a significant burden to poultry farms, as the disease can pass to poultry from wild birds. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminds people to contact the agency if they suspect their birds, such as chickens, have avian influenza. CFIA reminds all flock owners that anyone with birds must practise enhanced bio-security procedures.

To date, there is no evidence to suggest that fully-cooked game meat, organs, or eggs are a source of avian influenza infection for people.