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However Larke is optimistic more bird testing will rule out the presence of avian influenza in Canadian birds.

"This H5, is not likely to turn out to be the H5N1 strain that has been circulating in South-east Asia," he says.

Larke says even if migratory birds in Canada are found to have the H5N1 virus, it doesn't necessarily mean they are closely linked to the viruses behind the Asian outbreaks.

Corriveau says it is unlikely anyone in the North will catch the bird flu from hunting ducks or other wild birds.

He says hunters should wash their hands after handling their catches.

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