Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural

   Affairs

                    www.omafra.gov.on.ca

Avian Influenza (also known as “Bird Flu”) continues to make

headlines, sometimes causing confusion and anxiety among the

general public. Is it safe to travel to Europe or Asia? Is

it safe to eat poultry? Is it safe to go near wild birds?

Bird Flu, in its current form, is almost exclusively a

disease of birds and does not pose a general threat to

public health.

The reason that avian influenza and pandemic influenza have

been linked together by some people is the potential for a

virus usually found in animals to mutate and form a new

virus that could easily infect humans, both directly and

from one human to another. There is currently no human

influenza pandemic in the world. To read more about

influenza pandemics and what you can do, please go to

www.health.gov.on.ca/pandemic. 

The following points may also help put Bird Flu into perspective.

  -  There are many different strains of Avian Influenza

     virus, commonly found in wild birds. Most cause no harm to

     birds or humans. The particular strain causing illness

     overseas is known as H5N1 (Asia).

  -  H5N1 (Asia) has not been detected in North America.

  -  Currently, H5N1 (Asia) does not cross easily from birds

     to humans. Almost all human cases to date resulted from

     direct contact with infected domestic birds or their

     droppings.

  -  There is no reason for the public to avoid eating properly

     cooked poultry and eggs.

  -  There is no evidence of cats infecting humans. A few

     cases of H5N1 (Asia) have been reported in domestic cats

     in Europe and Asia, but these were also caused by direct

     exposure to infected birds.

  -  The virus is likely being spread both by migrating

     wild birds and by the sometimes illegal movement of

     infected live poultry and on contaminated clothing and

     equipment. Wild birds may introduce the virus to a region

     or country, but poor biosecurity allows it to infect

     commercial poultry operations and spread to other farms.

  -  Because of migratory patterns, there is a chance that

     the virus will show up in wild birds this year in North

     America. The presence of the virus, however, does not

     necessarily mean that it will become widespread or that

     it will affect commercial poultry or humans. It certainly

     does not signal the start of a pandemic.

Notwithstanding all these facts, prevention and preparedness

are appropriate at this time. The key to managing Bird Flu is

controlling the disease in domestic poultry before it can

become something more serious to humans as well as an

economic disaster for the poultry industry. Another important

step is minimizing the contact, and possible mixing, among

influenza viruses of birds, humans and other animals. Because

of this, controlling the annual human flu virus through

vaccination and good hygiene practices will also contribute

to pandemic prevention, in addition to being a good public

health measure.

What can be done to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza in

Poultry?

  -  Governments are working with wildlife experts to

     detect the presence of Avian Influenza viruses in wild

     birds. Plans are in place for dealing with H5N1 if it is

     detected in wild or domestic birds in Canada.

  -  The commercial poultry industry is making biosecurity

     practices mandatory for its producers. It is important for

     all producers to follow these protocols routinely.

  -  There is currently no need to restrict or cancel

     poultry shows. However, bird owners should always observe

     proper biosecurity practices when attending any such

     event where birds from different sources are mixed.

  -  Bird owners, including hobbyists and those raising 

     non-quota poultry, should follow these Biosecurity Basics 

     to protect their birds from possible infection.

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          The 5 Biosecurity Basics for Bird Owners

  -  Restrict visitor access. People can bring diseases onto

     your farm, especially if they own or have been in contact

     with other birds. Contact with your birds should be

     restricted to those caring for them. It is a good idea to

     have separate clothing and footwear for use when dealing

     with your birds.

  -  Prevent contact with wild birds and other animals. Keep

     your birds in an enclosed or screened in area, and

     protect their food and water from contamination.

  -  Don’t bring disease home. New additions or birds that

     have been at a fair or market should be isolated and

     observed for signs of disease for at least two weeks

     before joining the flock. Equipment such as cages should

     not be shared with other bird owners. Any shared

     equipment should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

  -  Keep it clean. Routinely wash and disinfect cages, feed

     and water surfaces, boots and any equipment that comes in

     contact with the birds or their droppings. Wash your

     hands thoroughly after dealing with the birds.

  -  Recognize and report illness. Early detection is

     critical in successfully dealing with a disease outbreak.

     It is better to be overcautious than too late. If your

     birds show signs of disease, such as depression, abnormal

     egg production or feed consumption, respiratory problems,

     diarrhea, or sudden death, call your local veterinarian

     or contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

     immediately.