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The Canada Health Inspection Agency says bird droppings are a transmitter of avian influenza.By Metroland file photo
Many families may choose to take a stroll together this long weekend in parks and along the waterfront.
And while kids may try to chase the ducks or geese in the area, parents should keep a close eye.
“Avoid touching wild birds to stay safe and help stop the spread of bird flu,” the Canada Food Inspection Agency said on a Facebook post earlier this week. “Bird droppings are a common transmitter of bird flu during the spring migration.”
Bird flu, also known as the avian influenza, is most commonly found in wild birds, particularly in the spring and fall when they migrate. The H5N1 strain has circulated in Ontario since 2022, the Ontario Ministry of Health says.
Symptoms can range from very mild to severe, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue or tiredness, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures are less common with this flu. And it doesn't easily spread from one person to another.
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to an infected bird or mammal, you can be tested through Public Health Ontario.
So far this year, no laboratory-confirmed cases of avian influenza have been reported in Ontario, the health agency said.
However, if you see an injured, sick or dead bird while you are out with the family, report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
An online reporting tool has been created to quickly notify them at cwhc.wildlifesubmissions.org. A free reporting tool can also be downloaded through Apple and Google Play stores.
If you come across a dead bird, it can also be sent for testing.
Carcass submissions allow the co-operative to investigate cause of death, screen for diseases and parasites, and gather information pertaining to the health of wild populations. Carcass handling information can be found here.
来源链接：
https://www.toronto.com/news/bird-flu-and-droppings-what-you-can-do-to-help-stop-the-spread-of-bird/article_42a4ee7f-386d-5364-9813-4287b21c187d.html
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