They also warn people not to feed wild birds by hand and ensure that bird feeders are kept clean to limit the possible spread of the flu. Shayan Sharif, a professor at the Ontario College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Guelph, said bird flu is a growing problem in Ontario and across Canada. “There seems to be a growing spread of this virus,” Sharif, who is researching chicken’s immunity, said in an interview. “And I would not be surprised if I saw a greater spread here in Ontario and perhaps in our neighboring provinces, including Quebec and Manitoba.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says 11 cases of bird flu in Ontario poultry flocks between March 27 and April 10 have been confirmed. This includes three herds in the courtyard in Prince Edward County, the Township of Selwyn and the Township of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. A wild bird – a red-tailed hawk – was also found to have the flu in the Waterloo area in mid-March. In a technical briefing Monday afternoon, officials noted that more than 260,000 birds have died from bird flu or been “deserted” as part of a national response to the virus. In Ontario, more than 84,000 birds have died from the flu or been euthanized. Dr. Mary-Jane Ireland, chief veterinarian at the Canadian Food and Drug Administration, says this is an unprecedented year for bird flu in Canada and around the world. (CBC)
Mary Jane Ireland, Canada’s chief veterinarian, said it was an “unprecedented year” for bird flu worldwide, with widespread outbreaks in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. He said it was the largest number of cases in many provinces in recent memory and the first time Canada had seen H5N1, a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu. When asked why bird flu was so prevalent this year, he said it was due to the large number of wild, migratory birds infected with the virus. “The environmental pressure on migratory birds is very high at the moment and I think that is why.”

Keep backyard chickens away from wild birds

Avian flu is not only a threat to large poultry farms, but can affect backyard flocks, the CFIA says. Bird owners are legally responsible for informing the authorities if their animals become ill. Ireland noted that infected birds can transmit the virus through saliva, nasal secretions and feces and can be transmitted through bird-to-bird contact or if birds touch surfaces contaminated with the virus, including dishes, shoes person or tools used to clean coops. Ireland said measures that people in the backyard could take to prevent wild birds from coming into contact with chickens include keeping food and water away from wild birds and cleaning up birds. leaks so as not to attract unwanted birds. Cleaning is also critical right now, the CFIA said on its website “You should not share equipment or borrow from other bird owners. Always clean your hands, clothes and shoes before and after handling birds.” Also, visitors to places where chickens are kept should be restricted, as humans can transmit bird flu. Any new chickens should be kept separate from the others for at least 30 days before incorporating them into the herd, the CFIA says. Chicken owners in the yard should also keep an eye out for the following symptoms that may indicate that the birds are sick:

High mortality and sudden death. Reduced food consumption. Concentration, depression, closed eyes. Respiratory points (cough and sneezing). Reduced egg production. Aqueous greenish diarrhea. Excessive thirst. Swollen brushes and combs.

CLOCKS The presence of bird flu in Ontario puts farmers at a dead end:

The presence of bird flu in Ontario brings farmers to a standstill

Farmers in Ontario are watching closely for a deadly strain of bird flu that has forced some poultry farms to quarantine. At least one expert says consumers should not worry because it is “extremely unlikely” that the virus could enter the supply chain. 1:51

Take precautions when feeding wild birds

Elizabeth Walsh, a wildlife biologist at Nova Scotia Lands and Forestry, told CBC News that people with backyard bird feeders might want to consider removing them at this time. “Removing the feeders will help stop the spread of the virus. I understand that people are enjoying their feeders. However, as bird lovers, we also want to make sure that … our wild populations are safe,” he said. Christopher Sharp, a population management biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service in Ontario, said he did not ask people to remove the bird feeders yet. But it is advisable not to feed ducks and other waterfowl in the parks right now. “Feeding encourages wild birds to congregate around a food source and can increase the likelihood of transmission between wild birds,” Sharp said in an interview. “We still consider the use of feed birds to be safe, but they should be removed from areas that are open to poultry or other domestic animals.” Sharp said backyard bird lovers should also clean their feeders more often. It is recommended to use a weak normal bleach solution and then make sure that the feeders are thoroughly rinsed and dried before taking them out again. When it comes to feeding some birds, such as chicks, by hand, Sharp recommends that you do not do this at this time because “all wild birds can be infected with the virus.” Sharif agreed that people with feeders in the yard should take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the flu. “As much as I want to attract the beautiful Ontario birds to my backyard, this is probably not the best time for that.”