Avian Influenza
Last updated: July 25, 2024
Avian Influenza at a glance: Provincial Resources:
On this page…
Current Status of Avian Influenza in Ontario
Individuals at Risk and Personal Precautions
Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans
Precautions for Backyard Poultry
About Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza (AI) is a viral disease that affects mostly domestic poultry and wild birds such as geese, ducks, and shore birds. Each year, there is a “bird flu” season, and some forms of the “bird flu” are worse than others. Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are a natural reservoir for mild strains of AI. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a strain known to kill both wild birds and commercial poultry. HPAI can also infect dairy cattle and other livestock. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry, eggs, or beef would transmit HPAI to humans; the risk of transmission to humans is low. Pasteurized cow’s milk and milk products remain safe to consume; all milk from dairy cows must be pasteurized before sale in Canada.
For up-to-date information on HPAI in Canada visit:
- Avian Influenza (CFIA)
- HPAI in Livestock (CFIA)
Current Status of Avian Influenza in Ontario
- Status of ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) response in Canada – CFIA
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Biosecurity Updates – Poultry Industry Council
July 2024
There have been no cases of HPAI A5N1 reported in Ontario and no HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle or other livestock. The risk of transmission to humans in Canada remains low. Health Canada is continuing to closely monitor the situation. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) are continuing to monitor for any symptomatic animals or potentially infected food products.
September 2022
Office of the Chief Veterinarian recommended that owners/operators not comingle birds from different locations, and avoid activities such as shows, sales, competitions, and swap meets. Read the full update.
March 2022
HPAI H5N1 virus was detected in Ontario and spread in wild, backyard and commercial poultry. Its spread was primarily attributed to the migration of infected waterfowl.
What Happens if an Animal Is Positive?
- The property/farm will be deemed an infected site
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will define a “control zone” perimeter around the site to prohibit the movement of birds, eggs, and poultry products in/out/ through the zone
- Exceptions can be made with a special permit
- Need assistance with protocols/permits? Call the CFIA at 519-953-6658, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (EST), or email ontmovementlicandpermitsdeplacementlicenceetpermis.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Reporting Sick or Dead Birds
If you see a wild bird, including waterfowl, that is sick, injured or dead, do not touch it. Report any sick or dead birds, to the Ontario Regional Centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781.
Signs of avian influenza in birds include:
- nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination
- swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- lack of energy or movement
- coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
- diarrhea or
- sudden death
If you observe your backyard poultry to be sick or dying, please call your veterinarian or the CFIA at 226-217-8022, 8 am to 6 pm (EST), or email cfia.ontsurveillanceanddiagnosticssurvetdiagnostiques.acia@inspection.gc.ca.
Individuals at Risk and Personal Precautions
The risk to the public of catching the virus from domestic poultry or cattle products is very low. There is no need to change your food consumption habits or travel plans. Most people who become infected have had close, unprotected contact with live or dead infected birds or cattle.
If you work with birds or cattle take extra precautions, especially if in a region where avian influenza has been detected. Monitor yourself for respiratory symptoms and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including:
- Fit-tested and seal-checked respirators (e.g., N95 or equipment with equivalent protection)
- Eye protection (e.g., tight-fitting non-vented safety goggles)
- Wear heavy duty rubber gloves when handling birds that can pierce skin with beak or claws, otherwise it is essential to wear rubber gloves or disposable gloves (e.g., latex or nitrile) for cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Impervious disposable gown or coveralls
- Disposable protective shoe/boot covers or rubber or polyurethane boots
Avian Influenza PPE Guidelines for Poultry Workers (April 2022)
Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans
Symptoms can range from very mild to severe. The most common signs include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle and/or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Less commonly, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures can occur. Diarrhea is more common with avian influenza than with influenza.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these signs and if you have been around birds in the past 10 days – especially if you have been around sick or dead birds and did not wear any PPE. For more information, contact our office at 705-743-1000.
Precautions for Backyard Poultry
Raise Healthy Small Flock Poultry – OMAFRA
How to Prevent and Detect Disease in Small Flocks and Pet Birds – CFIA
The CFIA’s 5 tips to protecting your flock:
- Prevent contact with wild birds and other animals
- Frequently clean poultry coops, waterers, feeders, your clothing and your boots.
- Spot the signs of avian influenza and report early to a veterinarian or the CFIA.
- Limit exposure to visitors.
- Separate birds –keep birds, their water and food away from wild birds.
Information for Hunters
It is considered safe to hunt, handle and eat healthy game birds. However, exposure to avian influenza can occur handling wild birds and waterfowl. To protect yourself, the following precautions are recommended:
- Do not handle or eat sick birds or birds that have died from unknown causes
- Avoid direct contact with blood, feces, and respiratory secretions
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game
- Work outside whenever possible
- Wear a medical mask, preferably an N-95 or KN-95, when cleaning game
- Wear dish gloves or latex gloves when handling or cleaning game
- Follow all other food safety measures (see section below)
- If you become ill while handling birds or shortly thereafter, see your doctor and tell them that you have been in contact with wild birds
For more information, visit: Wild birds and avian influenza – Handling guidelines – Canada.ca
Food Safety Considerations
Transmission of AI to people from the consumption of undercooked eggs or poultry is unlikely. As a general practice, food safety measures should always be practiced, including:
- Wash hands before and after handling poultry and egg products for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water
- Keep poultry and egg products separate from other food products to prevent cross-contamination
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water and a household sanitizer (e.g. bleach and water solution)
- Cook poultry pieces to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and whole poultry to 82°C (180°F); use a probe thermometer to confirm cooking temperatures
Additional Information
- Ministry of Health H5N1 Avian Influenza – April 2022 FAQ Document
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Human health information
- World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) – Animal health information
- Information for health care practitioners – Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – Domestic birds
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) – Wild birds
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) – Wild birds