Concerns raised over bird flu [Video]

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 …