Water Sample Service Interruption: May 21, 4 p.m. – May 25, 8:30 a.m.

Due to a system upgrade at Public Health Ontario, drinking water sample drop‑off, testing, and access to results will be temporarily unavailable.

You will not have access to:

  • The Water Testing Portal (submit requisitions or view reports)
  • Test results by phone (IVR), Customer Service Centre, mail, email, or in-person

Final day to drop off water samples at HPPH sites:

Thursday, May 21 | 11:30 a.m.

All services are expected resume on Monday, May 25, at 8:30 a.m.

Early Closure for Staff Development May 28, 2026

HPPH offices will close at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28 for staff development.

Regular office hours will resume 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 29.

Avian Influenza (H5N1) and HPAI

Avian influenza (H5N1) is a type of influenza A virus mainly found in wild birds. Avian influenza A virus is categorized into low pathogenic avian influenza A (LPAI) or highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI). Human infections with avian influenza are rare. If people do become infected, it is usually because they have had close contact with infected poultry or their environment.  

Important: If you suspect your domestic poultry or animals may be infected with HPAI, contact your local veterinarian immediately.  

Learn about protecting workers from HPAI:

H5N1 HPAI Fact Sheet | HPPH

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update November 2025 | Ontario Federation of Agriculture. This resource includes how to limit spread, and biosecurity and producer recommendations.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Recommendations for Personal Protective Equipment for Workers and Employers Working with or Around Poultry, Wild Birds, and Other Susceptible Species, including Livestock | Ontario Ministry of Health 

Please review the Public Health Ontario resource, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Veterinary Clinics.

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) 

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is spreading globally among wild and domestic birds, with occasional transmission to mammals and rare human cases.  

To date, no sustained human-to-human transmission has been detected. Canada has had one confirmed human case, however the U.S. has had several, mostly linked to dairy cattle or poultry exposure. The risk to the general public remains low. 

Updated information is maintained by Public Health Ontario. Please visit the following:

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Vaccine Availability 

The federal government has a limited supply of Arepanrix™ H5N1 vaccines. Vaccines are distributed to provinces and territories to support targeted immunization programs. 

Ontario’s Human Vaccines against Avian Influenza (HVAI) Program is focused on individuals with high occupational exposure to H5N1, despite no current pandemics. 

This program is coordinated by Ontario's Ministry of Health in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 

Huron Perth Public Health will facilitate vaccine access and report usage to the Ministry and to the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Eligibility for Arepanrix vaccine in Ontario 

Individuals with regular contact with infected or dead birds:

  • Wildlife officers, researchers, rehabilitators (e.g., bird banders) 
  • Veterinarians or vet technicians involved in necropsies 
  • Lab personnel working directly with live H5N1 virus 

Note: hunters and trappers are not currently eligible due to lower risk. 

If you have patients who are eligible to receive the Arepanrix vaccine, contact the immunization team to order doses. Email immunization@hpph.ca or call 1-888-221-2133, ext. 3558.

For more information, please refer to these Ministry of Health resources:

Finding a Dead Bird

It is extremely important to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds. If you find a wild dead bird on your property, please call the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-800-673-4781 to report the finding of sick or dead wild birds. You can also complete an online report form through the CWHC. 

If the CWHC determines that the sample is appropriate for testing, they will advise you as to how to safely collect and store the bird(s) and will provide you with a pre-paid shipping container for submission.

If the authorities are not collecting the dead bird(s), please see Ontario's advice on disposing of dead birds. If you find a dead bird on your property, you do not need to call the health unit.

Contact Us

Huron Perth Public Health

Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0

Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca