Bird Flu cases confirmed in Ottawa and eastern Ontario
Three cases of Bird Flu have been identified in Ottawa and eastern Ontario so far this spring.
The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative says a Canada goose in Ottawa tested positive for Avian Influenza.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported on Thursday that a Canada goose tested positive for Avian Influenza in its area.
Health officials in the Kingston region reported Bird Flu has been detected in the region. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative says a redhead duck tested positive for the "highly pathogenic strain" of Avian Influenza (H5N1) strain.
Avian Influenza is a viral disease that affects mostly domestic poultry and wild birds such as geese, ducks, and shore birds, according to the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health.
Health officials say the virus does not typically pass from birds to humans.
"Most human cases of avian influenza have been traced to direct contact with live or dead infected poultry or their droppings," the health unit said in a statement.
"High risk activities include caring for diseased birds, dressing birds that died from the disease, consuming duck’s blood or possibly undercooked poultry, and handling birds involved in cockfighting. There is no evidence to suggest that properly cooked game birds are a source of avian influenza infection for people."
Health officials are urging people not to touch live or dead wild birds. If you do need to come into contact with a wild bird, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag.
Symptoms of Avian Influenza can range from very mild to severe. If you have handled a sick wildlife bird of poultry, you should watch for the following symptoms.
- Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures
Health officials say if you find a sick or dead wild bird, contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1-800-567-2033.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.