Public Health advises of identification of avian influenza in Perth County

Huron Perth Public Health advised today that it has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in live poultry delivered by an independent third party to a processing plant in Perth County.

HPAI is caused by different strains than those that causes seasonal influenza in humans.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, HPPH, the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario are working together with the plant operator to respond to the situation.

HPPH advises that fully cooked poultry continues to be safe to eat and there is no evidence to suggest eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit HPAI to humans.