Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada: Update on Avian Influenza and Risk to Canadians
November 13, 2024
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is closely monitoring the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds in Canada and around the world. To date, there have been no reported cases of HPAI in humans in Canada.
What is Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza is a viral infection that affects birds, including poultry and wild birds. There are many different strains of avian influenza viruses, and some of them can cause severe illness and death in birds.
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?
HPAI is a highly contagious strain of avian influenza that can cause severe illness and death in birds. It is caused by the H5N1 virus. HPAI can spread through contact with infected birds or their bodily fluids.
Risk to Canadians
The risk to Canadians from HPAI is very low. However, PHAC is taking precautions to protect the health of Canadians and to prevent the spread of the virus.
What is PHAC Doing?
PHAC is working with provincial and territorial health authorities to:
- Monitor the outbreak and assess the risk to Canadians
- Provide information to Canadians about the virus and how to protect themselves
- Investigate any suspected cases of HPAI in humans
- Develop and implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus
What Canadians Can Do
Canadians can help to prevent the spread of HPAI by:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
- Washing their hands frequently with soap and water
- Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly
- Reporting any suspected cases of HPAI in birds to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
More Information
For more information on HPAI, please visit the PHAC website: www.canada.ca/avian-influenza
Contact Information
Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983
Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada: Update on Avian Influenza and Risk to Canadians
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