Avian Influenza

Found a sick or dead wild bird? 

Avian Influenza (AI), also called “bird flu”, is a virus that mainly affects wild birds and poultry.

Do not touch or handle the bird. Report sick or dead wild birds, including ducks, geese and other waterfowl, to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).

If your backyard chickens or other poultry are sick or dying, contact your veterinarian or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Signs of Avian Influenza in Birds

If you see a wild bird, including waterfowl, that is sick, injured or dead, do not touch it.  Report any sick or dead birds (including waterfowl), to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

A bird affected by avian influenza may have:

• little energy or movement
• tremors or poor coordination
• swelling around the head, neck or eyes
• coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing
• diarrhea
• sudden death

Protecting Yourself

To protect yourself:

• Do not touch sick or dead wild birds
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds
• Avoid contact with bird droppings, blood and other fluids
• Wash your hands well after being around birds
• If you keep poultry, take steps to prevent contact between your birds and wild birds

If you develop symptoms after contact with a sick or dead bird, contact a health care provider and tell them about your exposure to birds.

Symptoms can include:

• fever
• cough or sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headache or tiredness
• red or irritated eyes
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Backyard Chickens or Poultry

If you observe your backyard poultry to be sick or dying, please call your veterinarian or your nearest Canadian Food Inspection Agency office.

Bird flu can spread between wild birds and domestic poultry. You can help protect your flock by:

1. Keeping wild birds away from your poultry, feed and water
2. Cleaning regularly, including coops, feeders, waterers, footwear and clothing
3. Watching for signs of illness and reporting concerns early
4. Limiting visitors around your birds
5. Keeping new or sick birds separate from the rest of your flock

Current Avian Influenza Information

Avian influenza occurs in wild birds and poultry in Canada and around the world. Because conditions can change, use the links below for the latest information:

To keep up to date on the current status of avian influenza in Ontario, use the resources below:

• Status of ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) response in Canada – CFIA
• Avian Influenze Update for Ontario
• Commercial Poultry Producers: The Feather Board Command Centre posts updates.