Protect yourself from bird flu, aka avian influenza, which is currently a public health issue in BC

A message from Brittany Deeter, RN, MsN, FNHA Director, Communicable Disease, Population & Public Health, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Celeste Loewe, FNHA Medical Officer, Health & Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer; and Samson Wong, FNHA Senior Manager, Environmental Public Health Services / Response

As health and wellness partners with First Nations people in BC, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is advising hunters, gatherers, and anyone else who handles game, to safeguard themselves against avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1), which is currently a public health issue across Canada and the United States. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, more than 12 million birds have been infected across Canada since the current cycle began in 2022, including more than six million in BC.

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza is a virus that spreads quickly among wild birds, poultry, and some mammals such as skunks and foxes. It can live in bird feathers for weeks in moderate temperatures and longer in cool weather – as well as on surfaces for months. Since humans can also get sick from handling infected birds or animals, it is important to take precautions when dealing with birds or other game, and to avoid completely those with signs of illness that may be avian influenza.   

What are the signs of a bird with avian influenza?

• Weakness or lack of movement.
• Swelling around the head, neck, or eyes.
• Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Diarrhea.
• Sudden death.
  

• Do not touch live, sick, or dead birds, or mammals that have died from unknown causes.
• Report dead birds to BC's Wild Bird Reporting Line at 1-866-431-2473.
• Wear gloves and a mask when handling or cleaning game.
• Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space when handling or cleaning game.
• Wash hands, tools, and surfaces thoroughly with soap and disinfectant.
• Decontaminate clothing, footwear and tools with hot, soapy water and disinfectant (e.g., 25 milliliters of bleach in 2 liters of water).
• Keep game products separate from other food products to avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook game thoroughly:
• Cook meat to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) or higher.
• Cook whole birds to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
• Do not consume raw or undercooked eggs.

Following these strict hygiene practices will also help avoid spreading the virus to domestic birds.

Protecting First Nations Communities

Hunting and gathering are vital to First Nations people's cultures and way of life, which includes being responsible for each other as a community, and being good stewards of the land, wildlife and environment.

By following the above-listed safety measures, First Nations hunters, gatherers, game handlers and food preparers can help ensure the health and wellness of their families and communities.

For more information: http​://www​.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Avian_flu_How_can_I_protect_myself.pdf

For general questions: Contact the FNHA's Environmental Health Team at environmental.health@fnha.ca

For emergencies Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Contact your local Environmental Health Officer

For emergencies after hours: 1-844-666-0711 or ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca

Calls or emails received after 10 p.m. will be responded to the following day at 6 a.m. ​