Migratory birds and avian influenza: ‘The public has a role to play in this surveillance’

Epidemiologists are closely monitoring the arrival of migratory birds carrying avian influenza as an outbreak has been reported in the east of the country and are asking for the public’s help in monitoring the progression of the disease.

In addition to the reported cases in birds, a dog died of the disease in Ontario earlier this month, Global News reports.

Veterinary epidemiologist Manon Rasikot explains that birds spread the virus through their droppings.

She explains, “They come back into the country and bring with them the avian influenza virus, which is present in secretions and feces, which can contaminate the environment at that time. We have ideal conditions right now for the virus to live in the environment, ie cold and wet conditions.

Six cases have been identified in Quebec, plus two more in Ontario.

Mrs. Racicot recommends that the farmer be vigilant.

“We’re really talking about basic hygiene, changing clothes, changing shoes, washing hands at the entrance to buildings. Above all, you have to increase their vigilance if they’re near a stream where there are currently a lot of migratory waterfowl. There’s also concern about getting rid of bird carcasses. .

The public is also invited to contribute so that the virus does not become dangerous to humans.

And the expert adds that “what is required of the general public is to return dead wild birds, the bodies of dead mammals so that we can take samples from them and follow the evolution of the virus.” The public has a role to play in this monitoring so that we can follow the evolution of the virus and see if there are mutations that may be a problem for humans.

Last year, at the beginning of May, the largest number of cases of the disease was observed in Quebec.

However, a lull has been observed in the United States in recent weeks.

“They’ve had 50 new cases a week, and there’s only about 5 to 10 cases a week,” says the person who works for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It’s really a big drop, so we’ll see if we get the same thing on our end.

The Quebec government currently recommends against organizing bird gatherings such as fairs, fairs, competitions or auctions.