The health unit reports that bird flu A has been detected in a flock of chickens in the area and warns against handling wild birds, live or dead. The disease can kill wild and domestic birds, but people infected with the disease may develop fever, cough, red eyes or shortness of breath, similar to COVID-19. Those who come in contact with birds are kindly requested to wear gloves or to use a double plastic bag. Operators should avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces and then wash their hands with warm soapy water. Public Health also emphasizes that properly cooked poultry is not a source of bird flu. Meanwhile, the Canadian Food and Drug Administration says it is an unprecedented year for bird flu or “bird flu” worldwide. Officials say the virus spread rapidly from the first reports that it was detected in wild birds. Avian influenza strain H5 is a viral infection that spreads easily and quickly to birds. There is no current treatment and a high rate of bird deaths remains. In Canada, cases have been found in provinces such as Ontario and Alberta. Farmers are urged to remain vigilant and use strict biosecurity measures to help protect their herds. Those who find sick or dead wild birds should call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center at 1-800-567-2033. With files from Wendy Gray
