Avian Flu Concerns Rise in Canada After Teen’s Infection Linked to Sick Wild Birds

Carolyn Law saw a snow goose land in her backyard in Richmond, B.C., on Halloween. Hours later, the goose hardly moved. It started bobbing its head and, after eight hours, it rolled over, convulsed, and died. Law felt sad and frightened.

She called a wildlife rescue group. They suggested the goose might have avian flu, but they needed to test it to confirm. This incident received more attention after a teenager in B.C. tested positive for bird flu. This is the first presumptive case of human infection in Canada, and the teenager is in critical condition.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer, stated that the source of infection is unclear. Experts mention the risk of human infection with the H5N1 strain remains low. However, people are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.

Health Canada urged those working with animals to take precautions. Concerns about bird flu have increased. The virus has led to the culling of millions of poultry across North America. Infections in poultry flocks in B.C. have risen recently as migratory birds head south.

Brian Ward, an infectious diseases microbiologist, noted that dead or sick ducks and geese could have avian influenza. He expressed worry about the unknown source of the teenager’s infection since they had no known contact with poultry farms.

Ward also stated that a human infection in Canada was likely due to the increased spread of the disease in recent years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported 46 human cases of avian flu without known human-to-human spread.

Health Canada reassured the public that the general risk remains low. They noted humans cannot get infected through properly cooked poultry, eggs, or meat. Henry mentioned that the only other recorded case in Canada was in Alberta in 2014.

Henry acknowledged the risk from wild birds. She advised people to avoid touching sick or dead birds and keep pets away from them. There was an instance in Ontario where a dog got infected after biting a dead bird.

She explained that humans may inhale the virus through aerosols or droplets entering the eyes, nose, or lungs. While few cases showed person-to-person transmission, the virus causes severe illness, especially in young people.

Henry noted it is likely the teenager was exposed to a sick animal or contaminated environment, but they might never find the source. She reminded people to report dead or sick poultry to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and encounters with wild birds to the BC Wild Bird Mortality Line.

Health Canada advised anyone exposed to sick birds or farms with confirmed avian flu to watch for flu-like symptoms. If symptoms develop, people should inform their healthcare provider about their exposure.

Ward advised calling authorities instead of handling dead birds. If someone must dispose of a bird, they should wear a mask and gloves and minimize aerosol exposure.

Law worried about her dog, which had gotten close to the dying goose. She and her husband took precautions when dealing with the dead bird. He wore gloves and a mask while double-bagging the bird for disposal.

This information highlights the importance of caution with regards to bird flu, especially during seasons with heightened risks.