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Avian flu |
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Some questions exist regarding the relationship between migratory birds and avian flu. In order to address these questions, the City of Toronto has prepared the following statement. This will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Federal Government is the lead for monitoring bird populations (including poultry) for signs of the Avian flu in Canada. There is currently no highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in N. America. As of yet, local health units/authorities have not been asked to support Health Canada's surveillance programs.
In May 2006 plans for Canada's Inter-Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey 2006 were announced by Environment Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC). The survey will sample migratory birds along main migratory routes in Canada with a focus on north Atlantic region where birds from Europe can mix with birds from North America.
It is important to remind the public that one can acquire several diseases from wildlife and should always take care to practice good hygiene when handling animals. Birds also carry infections which can cause gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. If instructed by a wildlife or public health authority to dispose of a dead bird found in your yard, use gloves or put your hand inside of a plastic bag to pick up the bird. Double bag the carcass and dispose of it in the garbage. Carefully remove gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap.
Links:
Toronto Public Health
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Government of Canada
Canada's Inter-Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey
United Nations World Health Organization
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