LPH confirms second case of bird flu in Lambton County

Chicks are seen in a barn in this undated photo (pattonmania/Getty Images)

Lambton Public Health is investigating a second reported case of H5N1 (bird flu) in birds within Lambton County.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects domestic birds like chickens and wildlife like geese and ducks.

“The risk of avian influenza continues to remain low for the general public, however we would like to once again remind those who work with sick animals or in contaminated environments – such as farmers – to take precautions when interacting with or handling birds,” said Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County.

LPH had previously confirmed a case of bird flu on a poultry farm within its jurisdiction earlier in March, however it indicated that this investigation was separate from prior investigation.

Individuals that have worked with the affected birds are considered to be at risk, LPH is working to follow up with them.

As a general precaution, people should avoid handling live or dead wild birds or other wild animals, and keep pets away from sick or dead wild animals.

The first detected case of H5N1 in Ontario was in March 2022. The disease is currently present in other Canadian provinces, and the United States - with the migration of waterfowl the primary spreader of the infection.

At this time, no human cases have been reported in Ontario, however, as of March 25 there have been 70 human cases reported in the United States, and one fatality.

Data from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that more than 160 million birds in the United States have been affected by bird flu, and over 12,000 wild birds.