PERTH COUNTY – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been identified in live poultry delivered by an independent third party to a commercial processing plant in Perth County, according to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH).
HPAI is caused by different virus strains than those that cause seasonal influenza (“the flu”) in humans. Also, the HPAI H5N1 virus does not easily cross from birds to humans.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), along with HPPH, the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario are working together with the plant operator to respond to the situation. As soon as this was identified, the plant operator took immediate action. The suspected poultry containing HPAI in question is all on hold and not in the public domain. The animal health response is being led by the CFIA, while HPPH is leading human health response by providing guidance to workers, employers and local health care providers.
Fully cooked poultry continues to be safe to eat and there is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit HPAI to humans. Risk to the public is low.
