Spring bird migration is happening, and people have questions about avian influenza in returning birds, especially geese and ducks.

What is Avian Influenza or as it is commonly called Bird Flu?
Avian influenza is a viral infection that is highly contagious among birds. It is found in domestic poultry and wild birds including hawks, owls, eagles, gulls, terns, shorebirds, ducks, geese, cranes and swans. Wild birds in Canada and throughout the world are natural carriers of avian influenza viruses.

Human infections with avian influenza are rare and the risk is considered low. Human infections are usually acquired through prolonged close contact with infected live or dead poultry or contaminated facilities. However, anyone in close contact with infected birds and their environments may be at increased risk of infection. Which means people need to be cautious when handling wild birds.

What precautions should hunters take?

• Avoid hunting birds in areas where an outbreak of avian influenza has been reported or where sick or dead birds are found.Do not handle or eat sick birds.
• Do not handle birds that have died from unknown causes.
• Keep pets away from suspected birds. Virus transmission occurs when animals eat, scavenge, or interact closely with infected birds.
• When handling or cleaning hunted birds
  • Minimize direct contact with blood, feces, and respiratory secretions of all wild birds
  • Always work in a well-ventilated environment
  • If working outdoors, try to stay upwind of birds to avoid inhaling dust, feathers and aerosols
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling birds
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
  • Wear gloves (for example, vinyl, latex, nitrile, rubber) as much as possible
  • Wash hands with soap and warm water immediately after you have finished. If you do not have access to water, use hand sanitizer or wipe with at least 60% alcohol
  • Keep young children and pets away from areas that could be contaminated
• After you are done cleaning your birds, thoroughly clean and disinfect tools and work surfaces with soapy water and then use a household disinfectant or bleach solution (25ml bleach to 2L water).
• Immediately remove and wash and/or change clothing and footwear that may be contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions
  • Not only does this protect your health but also helps to prevent the spread of the virus to other birds, as well as other people, animals or pets.

Reporting a suspected case of Avian Influenza

If you see a sick or dead bird(s) and suspect avian influenza, contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781, email on-nu@cwhc-rcsf.ca or use the online reporting tool: https://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/report_and_submit.php

If you need to handle a bird that may be infected:

• Wear any available personal protective equipment (PPE) on hands and face, gloves, mask, and eye protection
• Pick up a carcass with gloves or use a doubled plastic bag
• Note that freezing does not kill the virus
• Avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water

Useful Websites and Links

Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative – Avian Influenza Virus. This organization also has an interactive map showing where infected wild birds have been documented. The Ontario facility is located in Guelph. http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/avian_influenza.php

Environment and Climate Change Canada, “Avian influenza in wild birds” web page https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/avian-influenza-wild-birds.html

Maps are available to show locations where Avian influenza has been detected in wild birds and poultry in North America https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/distribution-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5- and-h5n1-north-america-20212022

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Wild birds and avian influenza – Handling guidelines (English): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/flu-influenza/fact-sheet-guidance-on-precautions-handling-wild-birds.html