Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as "bird flu", is a contagious viral infection that can affect several species of food producing birds as well as pet birds and wild birds. AI viruses can be classified into 2 categories: low pathogenicity (LPAI) and high pathogenicity (HPAI) viruses, based on the severity of the illness caused in birds.

Avian influenza viruses, such as the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus present in Asia, may, on rare occasions, cause disease in humans. Transmission to humans has occurred through close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments.

In Canada, highly pathogenic avian influenza and low pathogenicity H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses are considered to be Notifiable Avian Influenza, which is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. All cases must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Facts about avian influenza (bird flu)

• Fact Sheet – Avian Influenza
• Flocks infected with Avian Influenza in Canada
• Canada's plan for emergency prevention, preparedness and response to an outbreak of Avian Influenza

Information for pet bird and backyard flock owners

• Protect your flock from bird flu
• Pets and highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 Avian Influenza
• Requirements for birds imported from countries other than the United States
• 5 Rules to prevent and detect disease in backyard flocks and pet birds
• What to expect if your birds maybe infected

Information for the livestock sector and producers about prevention and control measures

• Bird flu surveillance in Canada
• Import measures for live birds to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza in domestic birds
• Poultry biosecurity
  • General producer guide – National avian on-farm biosecurity standard
  • National avian on-farm biosecurity standard
• Reports on previous disease incidents in Canada