Avian Influenza

Avian influenza (bird flu, avian flu) is a disease caused by the Type A (H5N1) influenza virus that can affect all bird species but can also infect mammals.

Avian influenza is spread through direct contact from an infected bird to a healthy bird or mammal. Avian influenza is also spread when a healthy bird comes in contact with equipment and/or materials (including water and feed) that have been contaminated with feces and/or secretions from infected birds.

Avian influenza continues to spread across the globe, and it has been detected in Ontario since 2022. Although it has happened, spread from infected birds or animals to humans is rare.

Status of Avian Influenza in York Region

Positive and suspected avian influenza in wild birds, including Canada Geese and ducks have been found in York Region
There are no human cases of avian influenza in York Region

Risk to the public remains low

The risk of the spread of avian influenza to people in York Region is low.

Avian influenza is different from seasonal influenza (flu) viruses and does not spread widely from human-to-human.

Personal protection is the best defense.

How to protect yourself from avian influenza:

Stay away from wild birds
Keep your pet on a leash to avoid contact with a wild bird
Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear to be sick or have died
Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces (droppings) from wild birds
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after unavoidable contact with birds or their droppings
Practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs), do not feed pets any raw meat from game birds or poultry
If you see a sick or dead wild bird, do not touch it, or go near it
Stay off all bodies of water as ice and water conditions are not safe; do not attempt to rescue birds in distress

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of avian influenza?

Avian influenza is caused by a different virus that causes the seasonal flu, but some of the symptoms may be similar. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe, including:

fever
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
muscle or body aches
headaches
fatigue or tiredness
conjunctivitis (red eyes)
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Less common symptoms are:

diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
seizures

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to an infected bird or mammal, you may be eligible for testing.

It is important to tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms or if you have been around sick or dead birds or animals in the past 10 days which were suspected or confirmed to have the virus.

Where do I report a sick or dead animal or bird?

Report any sick or dead animals and birds to your local municipal animal services.

Local Animal Services:

Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Georgina: 1-877-979-7297
King: 905-833-5321
Markham: 905-415-7531
Newmarket: 905-895-5193
Richmond Hill, Vaughan: 1-855-227-7297
Stouffville: 905-640-1900 X:2230

Sick or dead animals and birds will be picked up by local animal services or municipal departments on public property if they are accessible.

What should I do if I find a sick or dead animal or bird on private property?

If you find a sick or dead animal on your private property, some local municipalities offer sick or dead animal and bird collection services. Contact your local municipal animal service for more information. Sick or dead animals and birds can also be reported to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

If collection services in your municipality are not available for a dead animal or bird on your property, follow instructions for safe disposal.

When disposing of dead birds:

Keep children and pets away from dead birds
Wear a mask, rubber gloves or protective material (throw away after use)
Do not touch dead birds with your bare hands

Burial

Whenever possible bury the dead bird at least two feet deep to prevent animals from digging up the carcass; be mindful of buried lines; Call before you dig
If available, sprinkle the carcass with hydrated lime to deter scavengers
After the dead bird is disposed, thoroughly clean and disinfect tools (e.g. shovel) with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water

Disposal in Municipal Waste

Some municipalities will allow the disposal of dead birds in municipal waste
Check with your local municipality before placing dead birds in municipal waste
Dead birds should be double bagged, and bags should be sealed
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water

What should I do with my bird feeder?

To reduce the spread of avian influenza, consider removing backyard bird feeders and/or bird baths or move them far away from pets or your backyard flock.

Clean bird feeders with 10% bleach at least once every two weeks and then wash hands thoroughly after touching the bird feeder.

What should I do if my pet comes in contact with a dead or sick bird?

Limit contact between pets and birds. Keep dogs on a leash and consider keeping cats indoors to prevent them from coming in contact with a dead or sick bird. Your pets can get avian influenza too.

If you have concerns related to your pet’s health, speak with a veterinarian.

What should I do if I have backyard chickens or ducks?

Your small flocks and pet birds could be at risk of catching avian influenza when wild birds migrate to and through Canada in the spring and fall months, as wild birds naturally carry influenza viruses. Infected wild birds, such as ducks and geese, can spread the disease by direct contact with your birds or by contaminating your birds' environment. This includes ponds, feeders, pen, and your backyard.

Prevent contact between your backyard flock as well as their water and food sources with wild birds and their droppings
Frequently clean poultry coops, waterers and feeders
Wear proper protective gear, including face mask, goggles, gloves, and boots if working with poultry or cleaning their area
Clean and disinfect your boots and other equipment that came into contact with their droppings
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after unavoidable contact with birds or their droppings
Spot the signs of avian influenza and report any sick or dead birds from your flock to a veterinarian or the Canadian Flood Inspection Agency (CFIA)

What are the signs of avian influenza in birds?

Birds infected with avian influenza may show the following signs:

Loss or lack of appetite
Lack of energy or movement
Lack of coordination
Decreased egg production
Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
Other symptoms such as diarrhea, and sudden death

Avian influenza has an incubation period of two to 14 days in birds (which is the time from when they become infected with the virus to when they show symptoms).

Who is monitoring avian influenza in wildlife?

Avian influenza surveillance in wildlife (e.g. tracking birds and animals that have tested positive for avian influenza) is operated through a collaboration between Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC). Visit the HPAI in wildlife dashboard for more information, including locations of positive wild birds.

Who is monitoring potential avian influenza cases in poultry and cattle farms?

Federal and provincial agencies including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health, OMAFA, and Public Health Ontario are closely monitoring avian influenza and are working with public health units across Ontario to respond to reported cases of avian influenza in poultry and cattle farms.

York Region Public Health will follow-up with any farm/agricultural workers who may have been exposed to avian influenza.

How do I protect myself if I work with wild birds, poultry, or cattle?

Avian influenza infection in humans can potentially occur as a result of exposure to any infected animal or to an environment with infected poultry, wild birds, livestock species or other animals.

Learn about the personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for Ontario workers at risk of exposure to avian influenza. This information is for workers and employers working with or around poultry, wild birds, or other susceptible species, including livestock.

Avian influenza and food safety

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest that eating properly cooked poultry or eggs could transmit avian influenza to humans. Practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs).

Pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products remain safe to consume.

Learn more about food safety, avian influenza and how to keep you and your family safe.