"Bird flu," or avian influenza, is a disease caused by a virus that mainly infects domestic poultry (ie. chicken, quail, turkey) and wild birds such as geese, ducks and shore birds.

Risk level

Each year there is a bird flu season, and some forms of the bird flu are worse than others.

A serious strain of bird flu, HPAI H5N1, does not easily spread from birds to humans, and the current strain has been listed as lower-than-normal concern for spread to people. However, this strain has been known to kill both wild birds and commercial poultry.

Recent developments

In March 2022, the HPAI H5N1 virus was detected in Ontario in wild and commercial poultry. This same strain of the virus has also been found in many areas across the world, including other Canadian provinces and American states. The spread has been primarily attributed to the migration of infected water-based birds.

How to prevent getting the bird flu

Stay away from wild birds.
Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds that look to be sick or have died.
Avoid contact with surfaces that look to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after unavoidable contact with birds or their droppings.
Practice safe food handling cooking practices for poultry and eggs.
Report sick or dead wild birds that are on municipal property to your local municipality and on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative online reporting tool.
Stay off all bodies of water due to unsafe water conditions; do not attempt to rescue birds in distress.

Signs of avian flu in birds

Lack of energy or movement
Nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination
Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
Coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
Diarrhea
Sudden death

Person by lake wearing camouflage jacket, holding binoculars and looking upward.

See a sick or dead bird?

Report it online using the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative reporting tool.

Report a Bird

To report a bird over the phone, call

1-866-673-4781.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I find dead birds on private property?

Check with your local municipality for approved methods of disposing of dead birds. Large numbers of dead wild birds should be managed as instructed by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

If your municipality allows, you may bury or double-bag dead birds and place in garbage for your regular garbage pick-up.

When handling dead birds:

Wear gloves at all times when handling wild bird carcasses and avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces.
If possible, use a small shovel to move the bird (even while wearing gloves) and place the dead bird in a double bag.
Carefully place the bag in a covered garbage container where it will be out of reach of pets, curious children or scavengers.
Clean and disinfect any tools used in a solution of at least one part bleach to nine parts water.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soapy, warm water or use hand sanitizer, even if gloves are worn.

What should I do if I find dead birds on municipal property?

Contact the municipality and they will arrange to pick it up.

How can I keep my pets safe from the bird flu?

Keep your pets safe when outdoors by ensuring they stay away from sick or dead birds.
Keep your cats indoors and dogs on a leash when out for a walk.
Do not feed pets any raw meat from wild birds or poultry.
If your pet is sick, or you would like more information on avian influenza in pets, speak with your veterinarian.

I feed wild birds in my backyard. Any recommendations?

Feeders should be removed from areas that are open to poultry and other domestic animals.
If you care for poultry, prevent and/or eliminate contact between wild birds and poultry (e.g., include the removal of outdoor sources of food, water, and shelter that attract wild birds).
Backyard bird feeders and baths should be cleaned at least every two weeks, using a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water. Ensure they are well rinsed and dried before re-use.
If you notice sick birds near your bird feeders, remove the feeders and report the sick birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

How can I protect domestic and captive birds?

Limit domestic birds' access to the outdoors, ponds and other water bodies used by wild birds.
Owners must minimize contact between wild birds and their small flocks.

Are poultry and eggs safe to eat?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest eating cooked poultry or eggs could give you the bird flu.
Practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs).

Who conducts wild bird surveillance?

Wild bird surveillance is conducted through a collaboration between:

CFIA (HPAI in wildlife dashboard)
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC)

Who is monitoring potential positive cases in birds at poultry farms/agricultural environments?

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are the lead agencies for tracing cases in birds on farms or in other facilities that process poultry.

How do I protect myself while being active outside?

Always stay away from wild animals. Reduce your risk by:

Not approaching sick or dead animals. If on municipal property, contact your municipality to report.
Keeping your pets on a leash and away from wildlife.
Not feeding wildlife from your hands.
Washing your hands with soap and warm running water where possible; otherwise use moist hand wipes if your hands become soiled. Follow up with hand sanitizer.
Avoiding disruption and contact with animal droppings.

How do I protect myself while working outside or working with birds?

For humans, there is a very low risk of catching the bird flu, although working with wildlife and within their habitat may increase your exposure. Speak with your employer to discuss how you can reduce your risk or avian flu.

Additional occupational resources:

Adapted from Durham Region Health Department.

Bird Flu