The City of Owen Sound has reported lab tests confirming the presence of the Avian Influenza virus at Harrison Park.
On Friday, staff observed birds in the bird sanctuary at Harrison Park exhibiting possible symptoms of Avian Influenza. Parks staff followed prescribed Federal guidelines and immediately consulted with a local veterinary service and contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). On Monday, September 19, CFIA contacted City staff to confirm positive test results for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) from the sampled domestic species on site.
CFIA, which is responsible for Avian related responses, attended the site and performed an inspection in accordance with their mandate with respect to diseases of concern. On the advice of CFIA, staff installed a perimeter fence to eliminate public contact with domestic birds in the flock. The Harrison Park bird sanctuary was placed under a quarantine order.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit, along with federal and provincial partners, is investigating. No human cases of the virus have been reported at this time.
“The risk to human health from avian influenza outbreaks is considered low,” says Grey Bruce Health Unit Physician Consultant Dr. Rim Zayed. “Human infections of avian flu are rare and typically occur only in people who have had close, unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated bedding, feed or water troughs. Avian influenza also doesn’t spread easily from person to person.”
This virus can affect several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet and wild birds. If residents locate a wild bird that is deceased, they are encouraged to report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative.