Bird flu investigations in wildlife surround London, Ont. as first human death reported in U.S.

A local avian expert wants municipal and federal health authorities to increase public education efforts in the wake of rising cases of bird flu (H5N1) in humans in the United States.

“I think just making sure that people are aware that if there are these risk factors, that they should be aware of, that they're doing their due diligence to prevent harm,” said Brendon Samuels, a Western University PhD candidate, who had just chaired an environmental stewardship and action group on behalf of the City of London.

His advisory comes as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency investigates bird flu cases at commercial facilities east and west of London.

While all cases remain contained to wildlife, health officials in the United States face a more serious threat.

There, a 65-year-old Louisiana man has died after contracting avian flu, likely from domestic backyard birds. It is one of nearly 70 human cases in America. All but one were diagnosed within the past 10 months.

While there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission, Samuels believes it is time for southwestern Ontario-area health officials to prepare.

Map of bird flu investigations and orders – in wildlife only – surrounding London, Ont. as of January 2025. (Source: CFIA)

“In terms of public information about when it might be time to think about if we need to wear masks again, if we need to take down our bird feeders, if we need to understand our personal risk, like if we're keeping backyard chickens. It would be nice to see a bit more current information from our local health unit on this, or perhaps some federal authorities, about best practices in the London region, being that we're seeing outbreaks in facilities just outside of town,” he said.

The medical officer of health contends more information will be coming if the situation worsens. But, with only one confirmed human case in Canada, Dr. Alex Summers contends, “The human health risk from avian influenza remains very low.”

Dr. Summers shares concerns about the evolving virus and the potential for human-to-human transmission.

“The risks of mutation development are real, and it is something that requires ongoing monitoring.”

Still, as health experts begin to brainstorm a response to the bird flu, Summers advises area residents are better suited to focus on the risks of general influenza and COVID-19.