What is Avian influenza (AI) or “bird flu”?
Avian Influenza (AI) is a disease caused by a virus that primarily infects 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.
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1?
HPAI H5N1 is a strain of AI virus currently affecting domestic poultry and wild waterfowl. It causes high levels of mortality (death) in some birds, while other birds, such as some waterfowl and shorebirds, can be infected and not show any clinical signs. Its spread has been primarily attributed to the migration of infected waterfowl.
Can people become infected with Avian influenza?
The exact mode of transmission from birds to people is not known, but most human cases of AI have been traced to unprotected contact (no gloves, protective wear, facemasks, respirators or eye protection) with infected poultry or their droppings.
In 2024, an individual exposed to HPAI H5N1 infected cattle in Texas developed conjunctivitis and tested positive to HPAI H5N1. Analysis from the testing suggesting the transmission was from the cattle. The risk to the general public remains low, however people are discouraged from consuming undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy products. For more information visit Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (external link).
The handling of dead birds is considered a lower risk activity and has not been implicated in transmission of HPAI H5N1 to date. High risk activities include:
- caring for diseased birds;
- dressing birds that died from the disease;
- consuming duck’s blood or possibly undercooked poultry; and
- handling birds involved in cockfighting.
Have there been any domestically-acquired human cases of HPAI H5N1 in Ontario?
No domestically-acquired human cases of HPAI H5N1 have ever been reported in Canada. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, the HPAI H5N1 virus does not easily cross from birds to humans and the current strain has been listed as lower than normal concern for spread to people.
How can I protect myself and what precautions should I take?
While the risk of human infection with AI viruses remains low, individuals should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu viruses without appearing sick. If contact with wild birds is unavoidable, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag and avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces. You should then wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Get your annual influenza vaccine. While the annual human influenza vaccine does not protect against AI, it will help prevent you from getting seasonal influenza, which could weaken your immune system or resistance to other infections.
I’ve recently handled an ill bird. Is there anything I should do?
If you have handled a sick wildlife bird or poultry, monitor for 14 days from exposure for human symptoms of AI, which can range from very mild to severe:
- fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness
- conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have any of these signs and if you have been around birds in the past 10 days, and especially if you have been around sick or dead birds and did not wear any personal protective equipment.
Can I be tested for Avian influenza?
In Ontario, people who are symptomatic and have had exposure to an infected bird or premise can be tested. Testing can be arranged through your health care provider.
I work with birds. How can I protect myself?
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has information on AI for workers (external link).
Is it safe to consume meat, poultry and milk?
The risk of HPAI H5N1 transmission to the general public remains low, however people are discouraged from consuming undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy products. As a general practice, proper safe food handling practices such as hand washing and keeping poultry and egg products separate from other food products to avoid cross contamination should be followed.
Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces on tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant.
Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food, and after handling raw meat, poultry or eggs.
Follow these guidelines if you handle poultry or game bird meat:
- Cook pieces and cuts of game meat to an internal temperature of 71ºC (160ºF).
- Whole birds should be cooked to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
- Do not feed uncooked or undercooked poultry or game bird meat to cats or dogs.
Where can I get additional information?