Halton Region Public Health is investigating after a small backyard flock of domestic poultry died at a private property in Halton, and initial testing points to avian influenza (H5). The region is advising anyone who puts out a feeder or lets a pet roam outside to take precautions.
The region did not say which Halton town the property is in.
Halton is working on the investigation with Ontario's Ministry of Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the federal body that handles animal disease in farm and backyard flocks.
"The risk of avian flu spreading to humans is very low," said Dr. Joanna Oda, Halton's associate medical officer of health. The virus very rarely passes to people, and Oda says most human cases have been traced to unprotected contact with infected poultry or their droppings: handling them without gloves, protective clothing, a mask or respirator, or eye protection.
Public health suggests residents consider taking down backyard bird feeders and bird baths. Anyone who keeps them should keep them away from pets and clean them with a bleach solution at least once every two weeks.
Pet owners are asked to keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash, so they are less likely to encounter an infected bird.
If you find a sick or dead bird or animal, report it both to your local municipality and to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, a national network that tracks disease in wild animals. If you have to move a dead bird yourself, wear gloves, place it in a doubled plastic bag and tie the bag closed. Avoid touching blood, body fluids or feces, and wash your hands with soap and warm water afterward.
Anyone who develops flu symptoms within 10 days of handling wild birds or other wildlife should see a health-care provider and tell them about the contact.
