Last Updated: N/A
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 20:33 EST
Originally Posted: July 21, 2005 14:45 EDT

Advice for Travellers - avian influenza

Government of Canada Important Notice to Travellers

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada emphasizes that, in the event of a pandemic, its ability to assist Canadians travelling and residing abroad may be severely limited by restrictions on local and international movement imposed for public health reasons, by foreign governments and/or Canada. Canadian citizens should note that the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada cannot provide Canadians travelling or living abroad with medications or supplies even in the event of a pandemic.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or “bird flu”, in humans and in birds.

Summary of H5N1 Avian Influenza Situation in Humans

Infection in humans has occurred in three distinct waves of activity, since late-December 2003. The current wave of activity has been ongoing since December 16, 2004. Countries reporting human cases of H5N1 are listed in Table 1.

For an up-to-date account of human cases of H5N1 by region and year, visit the following WHO page: Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO.

Summary of H5N1 Avian Influenza Situation in birds

In recent months, the avian influenza A H5N1 virus has been confirmed in wild birds in several countries in the following regions: Asia, Europe, and Africa. While this demonstrates the rapid and ongoing geographical spread of the virus, information to date has shown that the greatest risk to humans arises when the virus becomes established in small backyard poultry flocks, which allow continuing opportunities for close human contact, exposures, and infections to occur. To date, almost all cases have been linked to close contact with diseased household poultry flocks; there has been no evidence of direct transmission to humans from wild birds.

Recommendations

As a precautionary measure, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that it would be prudent for travellers to countries listed in Table 2 of the advisory to consider the following measures:

• Avoid unnecessary contact with domestic poultry and wild birds.
• Ensure that all fowl (domestic poultry and/or wild birds) prepared for consumption is thoroughly cooked (juice runs clear and no visible pink meat) to eliminate the risk of infection.
• Follow normal precautions regarding food storage, handling and preparation.
• Get your annual flu-shot

Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides recommendations to prevent the introduction of avian flu into Canada 's animal population.

Be Aware and Declare provides the most up-to-date information about what can and cannot be brought into Canada. 

Canadians residing or traveling for an extended period of time in regions experiencing avian influenza activity should consult their personal physician or a travel clinic prior to departure to discuss health concerns. Canadian offices overseas are not in a position to provide medicine or medical treatment to Canadian citizens.

Further information is available on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Global Reporting on Avian Influenza page and the Avian Influenza: Questions and Answers page.

For advice on travel, see our Country Travel Reports.