Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. There are at least 15 types of avian flu. They are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus.

For most Canadians, the risk of getting avian influenza (bird flu) is extremely low. However, it is important to know how to minimize your risks, especially if you are travelling to an area affected by avian flu.

Latest News

• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Situation Update - May 26, 2006
• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Situation Update - April 7, 2006
• Health Canada advices consumers against counterfeit and unapproved avian flu products
• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Situation Update - March 23, 2006
• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Situation Update - March 20, 2006
• Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Situation Update - March 17, 2006

Consult all Travel Health Advisories on Avian Influenza published by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Current Avian influenza (H5N1) affected areas

General Information

• It's Your Health - Avian Influenza is a short, easy-to-read factsheet.
• Public Health Agency of Canada's Avian Influenza page offers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and outbreak updates.
• It's Your Health - Influenza (the "flu")
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
• Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic (It's Your Health)

Food Safety

• Avian Influenza and Poultry - There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the avian flu to humans.
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Avian Influenza page
• Visit the Pandemic Influenza Portal for one-stop access to information from Government of Canada departments and agencies on pandemic, avian and seasonal influenza.

International

• International Updates - Avian Influenza published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Global Pandemic Influenza Readiness - Ottawa 2005 - On October 24-25, 2005,TheMinister of Health hosted an international meeting of Ministers of Health to enhance global planning and collaboration on pandemic influenza.