Bird flu detected in Lambton County farm

Chickens are seen in a barn in Abbotsford, B.C., on Thursday, November 10, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating a confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry birds in Lambton County.

According to LPH, at this time no cases of the virus detected in humans has been reported in Ontario, or Lambton County.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects domestic poultry and wildlife - like geese or ducks.

Individuals that have worked with the affected birds are considered to be at risk, LPH is working to follow up with them.

The first detected case of H5N1 in Ontario was in March 2022. The disease is currently present in other Canadian provinces, and the United States - with the migration of waterfowl the primary spreader of the infection.

“The risk of avian influenza for the general public remains low, however, the risk is higher for those who work with sick animals or in contaminated environments, such as farmers. Individuals should take precautions when interacting with and handling birds,” said Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County.

As a precaution to guard against avian influenza, people should not touch or handle live or dead wild birds or other wild animals. It’s also wise to keep pets away from sick or dead wild animals.