Avian Flu - Also knows as "Bird Flu"

Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. Outbreaks affecting mainly poultry, have been confirmed in a number of South East Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China and Indonesia. This strain is characterized by sudden onset, severe illness, and rapid death, with a mortality that can approach 100% in birds.

Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect species other than birds and pigs. However, the first documented infection of humans with an avian influenza virus occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. In the current outbreak, there has been spread from birds to humans in three countries. Cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) have been reported in Vietnam and Thailand and Cambodia. Patients developed symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough and, in several of the fatal cases, severe respiratory distress. Most of the deaths to date have been children. For current World Health Organization (WHO) statistics please visit their Web site .

Since late June 2004, avian influenza appears to have re-emerged in poultry in several countries in Asia. These outbreaks could either be new outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus or a continuation of the outbreaks first reported earlier in the year.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) concern and activities continue at a high level following recent reports. Because the H5N1 threat is unlikely to be resolved in the short term, WHO is working with other international agencies, including the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), to monitor events.

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How can I find out more?

World Health Organization - Home page
World Health Organization- Fact Sheet
World Health Organization- Questions and Answers
Health Canada- Avian Flu information

Should I be traveling to these areas?

Health Canada - Information for Travellers

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Information for Health Care Providers

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Health Canada

Infection Control

Health Canada
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

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Dead wild birds

Dead wild birds in Ontario

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What is Ottawa doing?

We are keeping abreast of Provincial and Federal recommendations.
We continue to refine our municipal pandemic influenza contingency plan.
We are setting up projects with Family Physicians and the schools regarding infection control.
We are monitoring the situation closely.

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