Avian Influenza

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 traveling to an area affected by avian flu.

Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds but can, less commonly, infect mammals. While all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly turn into epidemics.

The Government of Canada is continuously updating this site to provide Canadians with key information about Avian Influenza.

Human Health

• Avian Influenza - Frequently Asked Questions
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2006-07-13)
• It's Your Health - Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
  Health Canada (2005-11-03)
• Frequently Asked Questions
  Public Health Agency of Canada (2005-10-19)
• Pandemic Preparedness for Avian Influenza: Frequently Asked Questions
  Foreign Affairs Canada (2005-11-14)
• Human Health Issues related to Domestic Avian Influenza Outbreaks
  Public Health Agency of Canada
• Avian Influenza: Questions and Answers
  Foreign Affairs Canada (2006-01-13)
• Fact Sheet: Guidance on Precautions for the Handling of Wild Birds
  Public Health Agency of Canada (2006-05-19)

Animal Health

• Avian Influenza - Saskatchewan (2007)
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2007-10-23)
• Biosecurity Checklist
  Measures to help prevent the introduction and spread of avian influenza on your farm
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2006-07-11)
• Avian Influenza and Poultry
  Health Canada (2005-11-02)
• Animal Health Disease Information: Avian Influenza
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Avian Influenza - Latest Information
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Avian Influenza Fact Sheet
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2005-09-27)
• Avian Influenza - Routes of Transmission
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2005-12-15)
• Avian Influenza Viruses
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2007-07-10)
• Wild Bird Survey (2006)
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2006-05-18)
• Wild Bird Survey (2005)
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2006-01-04)

Detection & Surveillance

• Global Reporting on Avian Influenza
  Foreign Affairs Canada (2005-11-18)
• Current Avian influenza (H5N1) affected areas
  Public Health Agency of Canada
• International Updates - Avian Influenza
  World Health Organization (WHO)

Information for Travellers

• Travel Health Advisories
  Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Travel Health Advisory - Archive by Disease - Influenza
• Avian Influenza: Advice for Travellers
  Foreign Affairs Canada
• Importation of Pet Birds from Countries Other than the United States
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2005-09-28)

Provincial/Territorial Information

• Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Activities