2023-04-17 19:51:21
Epidemiologists are closely monitoring the arrival of migratory birds carrying avian flu as outbreaks have been reported in the east of the country and are asking for the public’s help in monitoring the progress of the disease.
In addition to the reported cases in birds, a dog died of the disease in Ontario earlier this month, reports Global News.
Veterinary epidemiologist Manon Racicot explains that it is through their droppings that birds spread the virus.
“They come back to the country, and carry with them the avian influenza virus, which is found in the secretions and their faeces, and which can, at that time, contaminate the environment, she explains. We have ideal conditions right now for the virus to survive in the environment, that is to say, cold and humid conditions.
Six cases have been identified in Quebec in addition to two others in Ontario.
Ms. Racicot recommends that farms be vigilant.
“We are really talking regarding basic hygiene, changing clothes, changing boots, washing hands at the entrance to buildings. Above all, increase their vigilance if they are near a watercourse where there are currently a lot of migrating aquatic birds. There is also a concern regarding the disposal of bird carcasses.
The public is also called upon to contribute so that the virus does not become dangerous for humans.
“What is asked of the general public is to bring back dead wild birds, the carcasses of dead mammals so that we can sample them and follow the evolution of the virus, adds the expert. The public has a role to play in this surveillance so that we can follow the evolution of the virus and follow if there are mutations that would be problematic for humans.
Last year, it was at the beginning of May that the maximum number of cases of the disease was observed in Quebec.
In the United States, however, a lull has been observed in recent weeks.
“They had 50 new cases a week, and there we only find between 5 and 10 a week, says the one who works for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It’s really a major decline, so we’ll see if we experience the same thing on our side.
The government of Quebec currently recommends not to organize gatherings of birds such as fairs, exhibitions, competitions or auctions.
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