Avian flu is spreading in wild animals. Here’s how to stay safe

After a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu, health experts warn the strain of avian influenza viruses is changing in ways that raise concerns it could potentially drive another pandemic.

“This virus is undergoing a lot of genetic changes, which raise the possibility of gaining the ability for transmission to humans,” said Prof. Shayan Sharif, acting dean of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

“It's already infected birds across Canada. The risk of transmission for humans is low at the moment, but the virus is primarily circulating among wild birds, so I suggest minimizing exposure to wild birds.”

Sharif said this particular strain of avian influenza virus appears to be adapting itself to mammals like skunks, minks, foxes, bears, seals and sea lions and can be deadly.

If people encounter dead birds, they should avoid touching them and notify authorities, specifically the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Sharif added.

Last week, Ontario’s Peel Region reported a number of dead birds found in Brampton’s Professor’s Lake and a pond near Coleraine and Harvest Moon drives in Caledon. The carcasses have been sent to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to determine the cause of death.

"While avian influenza is a threat to birds, the risk to humans is very low,” Dr. Nicholas Brandon, Peel Public Health acting medical officer of health, said in a statement. “Most cases of human avian flu have been traced to handling infected poultry or their droppings."

The statement called on residents to follow the recommended guidance to limit the spread of avian flu and protect the health and safety of themselves and their pets. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends caution when handling infected wild birds or other wildlife because avian influenza can cause severe disease in people.

Last week, CBC reported eight dead skunks found in Vancouver and Richmond tested positive for avian flu. It is believed the skunks may have contracted H5N1 by scavenging on infected wild birds.

Toronto Zoo closed its bird aviaries to the public after avian influenza was detected at a southern Ontario commercial poultry farm, saying it is committed to the health and safety of the animals in its care.

"We are taking proactive steps to protect our birds from avian influenza, and some birds may be off display," reads a statement on the zoo’s website.

According to data collected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, along with Climate Change and Environment Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, so far there are 1,829 suspected and confirmed cases of bird flu in Canada, with 197 cases in Ontario. The majority are in Quebec (367), followed by Alberta (268), Saskatchewan (243) and British Columbia (222).

This story was produced in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights for the Afghan Journalists-in-Residence program funded by the Meta Journalism Project.