Hub Staff
Laboratory tests conducted on wild birds that were found deceased near the Lake Huron shoreline in southern Bruce County have confirmed positive for H5N1, avian influenza.
After observing deceased waterfowl north of their company's site, Bruce Power, in collaboration with the University of Guelph and wildlife authorities, collected the samples for testing by the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative (CWHC).
The risk of humans contracting avian influenza, also known as bird flu, from wild birds remains "very low" said a recent media release from Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH). Human infections have almost always come from close contact with infected poultry or contaminated poultry facilities. However GBPH is reminding the public to exercise caution if interacting with wild birds.
While there is yet no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread of avian influenza, the virus has been detected in wild birds in every province and territory in Canada.
So far in Canada an estimated 14.5 million captive birds have died as a result of avian influenza, either from the illness itself or as a result of industry culling, often done using CO2 gas asphyxiation.
Death counts have exceeded 1 million in five Canadian provinces including Alberta (2 million), British Columbia (8.7 million), Quebec (1.4 million) and Ontario (1.1 million).
In the US the virus made the leap from captive birds (168 million cases as of April 2025) to dairy herds (996 herds as of April 2025) in March of last year.
There are so far no known cases of bird flu in Canadian dairy herds, however in addition to continuing to circulate worldwide among wild and captive bird populations, GBPH said that H5N1 continues to be detected in a variety of both wild and domestic mammalian species.
The World Health Organization estimates that some 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses, diseases that can be transmitted to humans from other animals.
Usually originating in wild animals who often show no symptoms, these diseases can then be transmitted to humans via livestock. Captive animals are particularly susceptible due to the large numbers we hold in concentrated facilities.
GBPH is reminding residents to avoid contact with ill or dead wild birds or animals. If handling is necessary, wear gloves and seal the bodies in plastic. Avoid contact with body fluids or feces and thorough wash and disinfect hands and any tools that were used.
Report sick or dead wildlife to the CWHC at 1-800-567-2033.
Keep companion animals away from sick or dead birds or wildlife and keep dogs leashed when outside to prevent contact with wild populations.
Monitor captive birds for signs of illness and follow Canadian Government recommendations.
