Residents of Prince Edward County are being advised to exercise caution following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in wild waterfowl in Wellington, Ontario. The County issued a public advisory on March 19, 2026, urging residents to avoid contact with wild birds and seize preventative measures to protect both pets and poultry. This development comes as avian influenza continues to circulate in wild bird populations across North America, raising concerns about potential spread to domestic animals and, though rare, humans.
The virus, commonly known as “bird flu,” is a contagious viral infection that can affect a wide range of bird species, including those raised for food, pet birds, and wild birds. There are two main categories of avian influenza viruses: low pathogenicity (LPAI) and high pathogenicity (HPAI), with HPAI viruses causing more severe illness in birds. The current detection in Prince Edward County involves the H5N1 strain, which is considered highly pathogenic. Understanding the risks associated with avian influenza and taking appropriate precautions is crucial for protecting both animal and public health.
Beach Access Limited, Precautions Advised
The County is specifically advising users of Wellington Rotary Beach, and their pets, to avoid contact with waterfowl, waterfowl carcasses, and fecal matter. Dog owners are particularly encouraged to avoid walking their pets at the beach during this time. This is a precautionary measure to minimize potential exposure to the virus. The risk of transmission to humans remains low, but direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments should be avoided.
To further reduce the risk of exposure, the County recommends several preventative measures for the public. These include avoiding direct contact with all wild birds and other wild animals, and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after touching bird feeders, bird baths, or any potentially contaminated areas. Pet owners should place bird feeders and bird baths as far away from their pets as possible and clean them regularly with a bleach and water solution – one part bleach to nine parts water – at least every two weeks. Keeping family pets away from birds and their droppings is also strongly advised.
Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Owners
Owners of backyard flocks, regardless of size or species, and commercial poultry producers are being urged to exercise extreme caution and implement heightened biosecurity measures. These measures are critical to preventing the spread of the virus to domestic poultry populations, which could have significant economic consequences. Key recommendations include keeping poultry away from areas frequented by wild birds and their droppings, maintaining strict control over access to poultry houses and premises, and ensuring all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before entering poultry areas.
Additional biosecurity steps include avoiding the placement of bird feeders or the creation of duck ponds near poultry houses, and maintaining the highest possible sanitation standards. Poultry owners should also change footwear and avoid wearing contaminated clothing when entering poultry houses. Beyond these standard practices, the County advises controlling access to farm sites by communicating the situation to all essential visitors – including service providers, input suppliers, and feed providers. Mortalities should be kept in secure, covered containers until they can be properly disposed of, and waste should be placed in sealed, waterproof bags and disinfected before disposal.
Backyard Hen Owners: Registration Required
Backyard hen owners in Prince Edward County are reminded of existing bylaws requiring registration of all hens with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario Small Flock Policy through their Family Food Program. Registration ensures small flock owners receive significant disease notices and guidance on protecting their birds. The Family Food Program also offers resources on bird health and disease management.
Human Health Considerations
Even as avian influenza viruses, such as H5N1, can occasionally cause disease in humans, transmission is rare and typically occurs through close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments. Individuals working with poultry suspected of being infected, or in contact with such poultry, are advised to wear protective clothing, including face masks, goggles, gloves, and boots. Anyone experiencing influenza-like symptoms – such as fever, cough, or sore throat – within 10 days of handling wild birds or other wildlife should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of potential exposure. More information on influenza symptoms can be found on the Ontario government website.
Suspected cases of avian influenza can be reported to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1.866.673.4781. Further information about avian influenza is available on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website.
The County of Prince Edward will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow the recommended precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and local poultry populations. The next update from the County regarding avian influenza is expected on April 3, 2026.
Have questions or concerns about avian influenza in Prince Edward County? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your network to help spread awareness.
