The H-5 avian influenza has been confirmed on a turkey farm in southern Ontario.

   The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the farm, and a neighbouring farm in the Woodstock, Ontario area, are under quarantine to control disease spread.

   Further testing by the federal agency is underway to confirm the severity of the illness and to determine the precise subtype and strain of the virus.

   The test results are expected within days.

   Avian influenza does not pose a risk to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked.

   And, the disease rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds.

   Initial tests for the disease were conducted Sunday after the turkey farm experienced sudden deaths of birds over several days.

   All birds on the infected farm will be humanely euthanized and disposed of.