Research and development activities that require working with samples of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus must comply with biosafety, biocontainment and reporting requirements from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This includes laboratories that are testing or intending to test samples (for example, animal specimen, milk, nasal swab, serum or tissues) for avian influenza virus fragments or antibodies.
Biosafety advisory: Avian influenza A(H5N1) (June 28, 2024)
Reporting requirements
Avian influenza is a federally reportable disease in any species under the Health of Animals Act and Reportable Disease Regulations. Suspicion, detection or diagnosis of HPAI in an animal, an animal specimen or sample, or an animal product or by-product, including virus fragments or antibodies, must be reported to a CFIA district veterinarian.
Avian influenza is also reportable in some provinces and territories. Additional information about provincial and territorial reporting requirements and contact information is available in the guidance for private veterinarians.
Suspicion, detection or diagnosis of HPAI in a human or a human specimen or sample does not need to be reported to the CFIA.
Science and research priorities
We have identified several priority areas to focus Canada's support for science and research on challenges related to the response and management of HPAI in animals. These science and research priorities complement the knowledge gaps and research needs identified by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to address the human health risks of HPAI.
More information
Information on current and future research collaborations on HPAI, contact CFIA.AHSD-DSAA.ACIA@inspection.gc.ca.