Seven poultry farms in southern Ontario have been quarantined following an outbreak of avian influenza, described as “exceptional” by officials. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented control measures to contain the virus, which has predominantly affected turkey production facilities near Strathroy and Ingersoll, small municipalities near London, Ontario.
The CFIA imposed control zones with a 10-kilometer radius around the impacted farms. These zones aim to prevent further spread of the virus by quarantining the facilities and closely monitoring products from nearby farms. All infected birds are being humanely culled, and affected facilities undergo extensive disinfection before resuming operations.
Brian Hamilton, deputy incident commander for Ontario’s avian influenza response, highlighted the ease with which the virus spreads. “Avian influenza is not just spread from bird to bird but also through feces on boots or other mammalian variables,” he said.
The outbreak has been linked to migratory birds that interact with livestock. Hamilton noted unusual patterns in migratory species like tundra swans, which have remained in southern Ontario longer than usual due to irregular weather. “Avian influenza possesses no rigid seasonality,” Hamilton warned, urging poultry producers to remain vigilant year-round.
As of publication, Ontario has reported 1.4 million birds impacted by the outbreak, with over 15 million cases nationwide. British Columbia has been hardest hit, with more than 8.5 million infected birds.
Human cases remain rare, though one teenager in B.C. contracted the H5N1 strain in November 2024 and remains in critical condition. Public Health Ontario confirmed that no human cases have occurred in the province in 2024.
The CFIA has reassured the public that there is no risk to Ontarians from the outbreak. Infected birds are culled, and products from nearby farms undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety before entering the market.