Avian influenza - Questions & Answers

What is avian influenza (bird flu)?

Avian influenza is a contagious disease of animals caused by type A strains of influenza viruses that normally infect only birds, and sometimes pigs. Avian influenza has two forms; one that causes mild illness in birds, and another, known as "highly pathogenic avian influenza" that is extremely contagious and rapidly fatal for infected birds.

What is influenza A H5N1?

This is a subtype of avian influenza virus and causes "highly pathogenic avian influenza" in poultry.

Is there avian influenza in Canada?

No, there are no reports of avian influenza in Canada. Avian influenza has been in Canada in the past and successfully eliminated. Highly pathogenic avian influenza was isolated in poultry in Ontario in 1966, the only occurrence ever for Canada. Low pathogenic avian influenza has been isolated in poultry in Canada three times since 1975.

What is the present avian influenza situation?

Since mid-December 2003, an increasing number of Asian countries have reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in chickens and ducks. Infections in several species of wild birds have been reported. The World Health Organization reports that the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza is unprecedented, and is a great concern for human health as well as agriculture.

What are the major concerns associated with avian influenza?

One concern is that outbreaks of avian influenza, especially the highly pathogenic form, can be devastating for the poultry industry. The most important control measures are the rapid destruction of all infected or exposed birds, proper disposal of carcasses, and the quarantining and disinfection of farms.

A second concern is that the avian influenza virus might mingle with human flu viruses and develop into a form that can spread easily from person to person. This could lead to a pandemic influenza.

Can avian influenza infect people?

Avian influenza does not typically infect people. However, the highly pathogenic form H5N1 has caused severe disease in humans on two occasions in the recent past, and is currently doing so in Viet Nam and Thailand in limited numbers. There is no evidence at this time of person to person transmission.

Is the avian influenza that is affecting people in South East Asia the same as the influenza circulating in New Brunswick?

No. The avian influenza (H5N1) that is affecting a few people in South East Asia does not have the same genetic structure as the influenza viruses that are infecting people in New Brunswick. The people in Asia who are sick with avian influenza are thought to have caught it directly from birds and did not spread it to each other.

What are the symptoms of avian influenza A H5N1 in people?

The symptoms range from typical influenza-like illness (fever, sore throat, cough and body aches), to pneumonia, difficulty breathing and other serious complications that can result in death.

Is there a vaccine or a treatment for humans who have contracted the virus?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent H5N1 influenza infection. Researchers are working to develop one, but it is difficult to say when one may be available.

There are some drugs that can treat an influenza infection and may prevent a person from getting the disease, if given at the right time. These drugs are expensive, the supply is low and it is not known how effective they would be against a new influenza virus.

What actions are being taken in Canada and New Brunswick to prevent this disease in poultry and in people?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) imposes strict regulations on Canadian imports of poultry and poultry products from foreign countries. When necessary, CFIA imposes bans on imports of poultry products and live birds from affected countries. For further information, visit the CFIA website on avian flu.

Should an outbreak among birds occur in Canada, the CFIA has developed an emergency response strategy that includes a stamping-out policy.

Early identification of human disease and tracing of its source are essential in preventing the spread of this disease. New Brunswick hospitals are currently screening patients who arrive at the emergency room with influenza-like illness for their travel history to ensure that no new influenza viruses might be causing their illness. Doctors have been alerted to consider travel histories in patients who exhibit symptoms of influenza-like illness.

How do I know if it is safe to travel to areas where there are outbreaks of avian influenza?

Health Canada posts travel-related information and advisories. These can be found
on the Health Canada website.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Remember that this is a disease that affects birds, and humans appear to get the disease when exposed to sick birds. There is no evidence that the H5N1 avian influenza is spread from human to human. If you will be traveling to affected areas, be aware of the Health Canada travel advisories and consult with an international travel clinic.

The best way to protect yourself against influenza is to:

• Get vaccinated - Vaccination with the current vaccine will not protect humans from infection with avian H5N1 influenza but it reduces the chance that bird and human influenza viruses will mix and produce a virus more contagious in humans.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you're sick.

What should I do if I feel ill after returning from a country that has avian influenza outbreaks?

The probability that your symptoms are avian influenza is very low. However, if you have just returned from Asia and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical advice and advise your doctor of your recent travel history, including any visits to farms or markets in Asia.