Lambton Public Health officials have confirmed an outbreak of Avian influenza in a local poultry flock. The Ontario Ministry of Health, Agriculture, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are actively investigating the situation, though as of 2 pm Friday, the CFIA has not yet disclosed the details or location of the outbreak.
In response, a primary control zone is typically established around the affected property to prevent the movement of poultry and limit the spread of the highly contagious virus. This marks the 10th avian flu outbreak in Ontario this year, with the most recent occurring on February 28 in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. Over 1.1 million birds have been culled across Ontario due to the virus.
Avian influenza primarily impacts poultry and wildlife, including geese, ducks, and shorebirds. At this time, no human cases have been linked to the outbreak in Lambton. Public health officials have emphasized that only individuals who directly interact with infected birds, such as farm workers, are at an elevated risk. The general public is not considered to be at significant risk.
Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County, reassured residents that while the risk to the public remains low, those working with infected animals or in contaminated environments should exercise caution and follow appropriate safety measures.
