HKPR keeping an eye on trends of avian influenza

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) is keeping an eye on the avian influenza spread across the country.

“Within the last two weeks, we’ve had the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada. It was in British Columbia. It wasn’t in Ontario, it wasn’t locally, but I think it’s important awareness certainly for public health,” local medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking told members at a health unit meeting on Thursday, November 21st.

She noted the same system used by British Columbia to detect this case is also the standard system used in Ontario.

“Over the last two years, and in particular 2024, we’ve seen avian influenza in the United States spread significantly to cattle. We’ve also seen it in pigs, and there have been more human cases of avian influenza,” Dr. Bocking said.

The local medical officer pointed out there has been no documented evidence of avian influenza being transmitted from “human to human.”

“So, it’s all from animal to human,” she added. However, she noted the strain could mutate into one which could be passed from human to human.

“We did have one infected poultry flock in our region in 2023. We have not had any since then.”

The Government of Canada’s website states avian influenza “can affect several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet and wild birds.” It also noted “highly pathogenic viruses can cause severe illness and death in birds.”

The website also has advice for anyone who has confirmed their poultry has avian influenza.

“Due to the potential for human infection, it is recommended people working with poultry suspected of being infected with avian influenza or in contact with such poultry wear protective clothing. This includes face masks, goggles, gloves and boots.”