Alarm Grows as Second Avian Flu Case Hits Lambton County This Month!

In a developing situation, Lambton County has reported its second case of avian influenza this month, raising concerns across the local agricultural community. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that the latest outbreak occurred at a commercial poultry site, separate from the previous case reported on March 14.

Lambton Public Health is actively collaborating with Ontario's Health and Agriculture ministries, along with federal food inspection authorities, to manage and mitigate the spread of the virus. The agency emphasized that, as of now, there are no human infections linked to the avian flu reported in either Ontario or Lambton County.

"This has emerged as a serious issue for our poultry industry, but the risk to the general public remains low," stated Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Lambton’s medical officer of health. She advised those working closely with birds to exercise extreme caution, particularly farmers who handle sick or deceased animals. Recommended safety precautions include avoiding contact with wild birds and ensuring pets are kept away from any sick or dead wildlife.

Furthermore, residents are urged to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative at 1-866-673-4781. For those keeping backyard chickens or other domestic birds, comprehensive guidance is available on the Ontario Agriculture Ministry's website.

Current statistics from CFIA indicate there are 10 active avian flu locations in Ontario and 24 across Canada, a marked increase from previous months. Despite the rising incidences, officials assure that avian influenza poses no threat to food safety; properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe for consumption.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza was first detected in a southern Ontario poultry flock in March 2022, but the rapid increase of cases underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness among poultry farmers.

Stay informed and stay safe! If you're involved in poultry farming or have backyard birds, take time to review best practices and safety measures to protect both your health and your flock. For more updates on avian flu, check official health resources and stay ahead of this evolving situation!