Avian influenza present on P.E.I., but not a risk to general public, experts say
Positive tests for dead geese are proof 'the virus is out there and it is circling'
Prince Edward Islanders are being reminded to keep their distance from sick, dying or dead wildlife as avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu or H5N1 — continues to circulate on the Island.
The virus has been present on the Island for years, and was recently confirmed to have infected a large number of dying and dead Canada geese in Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.
"It serves as a reminder that the virus is out there and it is circling," said Dr. Jill Wood, P.E.I.'s chief veterinary officer.
The highly contagious virus can be transmitted to birds and mammals, including humans. But the risk to the general public is low, Wood said.
"That being said, we're certainly cautioning people not to approach sick wildlife or handle ill wildlife," she said.
If someone must interact with sick or dead wildlife — like to remove a dead crow from their lawn, for example — Wood offered some advice: "Wear a mask, wear gloves, double bag it."
She also added that it's best to use a shovel and not your hands.
How the virus is spread
The H5N1 virus is spread by contact with bodily fluids, including feces, said Marguerite Cameron, communicable disease epidemiologist at the Chief Public Health Office.
While human infection is rare, it can occur through close contact with infected birds or heavily infected environments such as poultry farms, Cameron said.
According to a Health Canada document on avian influenza: "Human infections can happen when the virus gets into a person's mouth, nose or eyes, or is inhaled. This can happen when the virus is in the air in droplets, or possibly through dust or feathers, and a person breathes it in. It can also happen when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes."
Using personal protective equipment — or PPE — is very important to reduce exposure, Cameron said.
Her advice to Islanders is to always keep distance from wild birds and animals.
"Don't handle them, don't pick them up, don't feed them," she said.
Islanders should also keep pets away from any animals that might be sick, dying or dead, as mammals can become infected by scavenging on dead birds, Cameron said.
"That's why it's important for pet owners especially to make sure that their pets are not accessing any sick or dead animals," she said.
If there is a dead bird or animal that Islanders feel concerned about, they can call the Forests, Fish and Wildlife division of the province's Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change.
Staying safe and healthy
In February, the Public Health Agency of Canada said it purchased 500,000 doses of a human vaccine to protect those most at risk of exposure to the virus.
P.E.I. will have access to this stockpile, Cameron said, adding that there is an allocation framework and a risk assessment to determine eligibility.
Currently, the national advisory committee on immunization does not have recommendations as to how the vaccine will be deployed more broadly, she said.
What Islanders can do is ensure they are up to date with their seasonal flu vaccine, Cameron said.
"While [seasonal flu] vaccine won't protect them against avian influenza, it will protect them from potentially getting a co-infection with avian influenza and seasonal flu," she said, adding that a co-infection could result in more critical illness.
The two flu viruses could also exchange genetic material, which could potentially result in a new influenza strain, she said.
"That is what we're really trying to avoid," she said.
For Dr. Wade Sweet, a veterinarian at West Prince Veterinary Hospital, an avian influenza vaccine is something he said he would be interested in getting if it was offered.
Until then, he relies on basic biosecurity measures such as wearing clean coveralls, boots and gloves when handling birds.
For Islanders wondering about food safety, Sweet said cooked poultry, eggs and pasteurized dairy products are still safe to consume.
"Anything you see that's in the grocery store, it's been pasteurized... it's not going to infect you," he said.
It's important for pet owners especially to make sure that their pets are not accessing any sick or dead animals- Marguerite Cameron
Sweet said the risk to the general public is low, and Islanders shouldn't be overly concerned.
"The virus is out there. It's something to be aware of but it's not something that should consume your life or make you anxious," he said.
"If the incidence of the virus increases, if we have more flocks that suddenly die, it'll be something to be more aware of. But for right now, it's something to know that it's there, but not be scared of."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Taylor O'Brien