Red-tailed Hawk hunting along Deep Bay Rd. Photo courtesy of Ed Poropat
An outbreak of bird flu is heading north
By Steve Galea
Wild birds play a key role in the spread of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Ontario this spring.
HPAI, better known as bird flu, was discovered in March near Waterloo in a wild red-tailed hawk that looked sick. During the press, the virus was found in 10 other places, the closest to Halliburton County is the town of Selwyn. There, the virus was found in a flock of chickens in the backyard, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) warns that the HPAI outbreak is “rapidly evolving” and says it expects more cases to be detected in the coming weeks as migratory birds return to their northern habitats. HPAI is highly transmitted and poses the greatest threat to poultry, where it can cause high levels of morbidity and mortality.
Infected birds may show lack of energy, movement or appetite, decreased egg production, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, cough, shortness of breath or sneezing, nervous signs, tremor or incoordination, diarrhea or sudden death.
CWS advises members of the public not to deal with live wild birds or those found dead. If contact with wild birds is unavoidable, CWS advises wearing gloves or using a double plastic bag and avoiding contact with blood, body fluids and faeces. This should be followed by thorough hand washing with soap and warm water.
There are no known cases of transmission of avian influenza from wild birds to humans. Most cases of avian influenza in humans worldwide are the result of close contact with infected poultry or their contaminated environment.
CWS says HPAI viruses have infected more than 100 species of wild birds worldwide, but infections are most common among waterfowl such as ducks, geese, swans, gulls and coastal birds, which are considered a natural reservoir for influenza viruses. the birds. Most wild birds infected with HPAI remain asymptomatic, but deaths involving wild birds are the result of this strain. There is evidence that birds of prey and some species of scavengers are susceptible to death from the virus.
CWS asks those who observe sick or dead birds and suspect that a disease may be involved to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Association at 866-673-4781 or report online at cwhc.wildlifesubmissions.org
With regard to bird nutrition, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change advises people not to handle or feed wild birds by hand.
They also recognize that feeding encourages wild birds to gather around food sources and can increase the likelihood of transmission among wild birds, both within and between species. They said they still said the use of bird feeders was safe, but advised removing feeders from areas that are open to poultry and other pets. They also advise poultry caregivers to prevent contact between wild birds and poultry by eliminating external / open sources of food, water and shelter that attract wild birds.
In addition, they advise using a weak solution of home bleach (10 percent sodium hypochlorite) to clean bird feeders. Make sure they are well rinsed and dried before reuse.
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