Avian flu: People, pets urged to keep clear of sick, dead birds as B.C. probes 1st human case [Video]

British Columbians are being urged to keep themselves and their pets away from any sick or dead birds, as the province investigates Canada’s first presumptive human case of avian influenza.

The patient, a teen from the Fraser Health region, remains in critical condition in B.C. Children’s Hospital, B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.

While health officials are conducting an investigation and extensive contact tracing, the source of the H5 influenza infection remains unclear.

That prompted a warning from Henry on Tuesday for people to stay well clear of dead or sick birds or droppings, which could be a vector of infection.

“Recognizing that this virus is circulating in wildfowl, so geese and ducks primarily, is to be sure that if you’re in contact with sick birds or dead birds, that you don’t touch them directly,” Henry said.

Officials are also warning people to take steps to ensure their pets don’t come in contact with infected …