Avian flu update

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man. – The H5N2 strain of avian influenza, which you may know as avian flu or bird flu, has been confirmed on a poultry farm near Woodstock, Ontario. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is following developments and defers to lead government and health agencies who are experts in this field.

This H5N2 strain poses little threat to human health, but can be fatal to domestic poultry. The confirmed case in Ontario has resulted in some birds being euthanized and the quarantine of nearby farms. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness.

What is avian influenza?

• Avian flu is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes.
• Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness.
• The potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.
• It is a global issue that is continuously evolving.

Risks

• Virulence is classified as either low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The H5N2 strain is a high pathogenic variety.
• Most avian flu subtypes are LPAI and cause little or no signs of illness in domestic or wild birds and pose no threat to human health. These subtypes are found every year in waterfowl.
• HPAI viruses are associated with the H5 and H7 subtypes. Some strains of the H5 and H7 subtypes are extremely infectious and fatal to domestic poultry, resulting in the complete loss of flocks and the quarantine of infected farms.
• Some strains, such as the high pathogenic H5N1 strain that appeared in Southeast Asia in 1997 can pose a threat to human health.

Importance of wetlands

Evidence suggests conserving and restoring wetlands is an important tool to reduce threats of avian flu. This is because wetlands provide essential habitat that helps keep wild birds away from domestic poultry flocks.

You can help reduce the spread of avian flu by supporting DUC wetland conservation work

Resources

DUC monitors developments of the lead natural resource and human health agencies in North America and across the world. All queries are directed to the lead government agencies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in Canada. Find out more by visiting the following websites:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Health Canada
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
US Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center