Detections of Avian Influenza in Niagara

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently responding to cases of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in farmed birds across Canada. This serves as a strong reminder that avian influenza is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with farm animals must practice good biosecurity habits.

HPAI is not known to be a food safety concern. There is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit HPAI to humans.

However, the Public Health Agency of Canada provides advice on precautions to be taken when handling wild birds.

Environment and Climate Change of Canada provides information on avian influenza in wild birds, including where cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in Canada and where to report dead wild birds.

View the Government of Canada's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet here.

Infections Detected in Niagara

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has advised the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of the confirmed presence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada. 

On March 14, 2023, the CFIA detected avian influenza at a commercial poultry operation in West Lincoln.  

To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes primary control zones (PCZ) in the areas where the disease has been detected.  Portions of the Township of Wainfleet are located within such a control zone.