Avian Influenza FAQ's
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. If your municipality allows, residents can bury or double bag dead birds and place in garbage for your regular garbage pick-up. Large numbers of dead wild birds should be managed as instructed by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
Report sick or dead wild birds on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative online reporting tool.
When handling dead birds:
- Wear gloves at all times when handling wild bird carcasses and avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces.
- Use a small shovel to move the bird if possible, even while wearing gloves and place dead bird in a double bag.
- Place the bag carefully 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?
Dead migratory birds found on municipal property should be reported to your local municipality for pick-up.
How do I report any dead or sick bird sightings?
Please report dead or sick birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative online reporting tool or by
phone: 1-866-673-4781.
What are some recommendations for pet owners?
- Limit interactions between pets and wild birds.
- Do not feed pets any raw meat from wild birds or poultry.
- Consult with your veterinarian for more information on avian influenza in pets.
Are there any recommendations when feeding wild birds in my backyard?
- 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 exterior/outdoor sources of food, water, and shelter that attract wild birds).
- Backyard bird feeders and baths should be cleaned regularly, at least every two weeks, using a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water. Ensure that they are well rinsed and dried before re-use.
- If sick birds are observed near bird feeders, the feeders should be removed and the sick birds reported to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
How can I protect domestic and captive birds?
- Limit access of domestic birds to the outdoors and ponds or bodies of water 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 that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit avian flu to humans. 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.
Durham Region Health Department works with other public health units to follow any farm/agricultural workers who may have been exposed to avian influenza. There have been no human cases in Durham Region.