Avian flu or avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect humans and other mammals. There are many types of bird flu, which are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus (e.g., H5N1, H7N3, H9N2). Avian influenza A (H5N1) illness is caused by the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.
More Information about Bird Flu |
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Ministry of Health
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Ontario Wild bird surveillance is conducted through a collaboration between:
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit immediately by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if avian influenza is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. Report sick or dead wild birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative by using their online reporting tool. Check with your local municipality for approved methods of disposing of dead birds. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have bird flu? |
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Contact the Health Unit. All ill individuals should self-isolate and follow measures to help reduce the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, physical distancing, wearing a mask if able when physical distancing is not possible, regular hand hygiene, improving indoor ventilation (e.g., opening windows), and regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and objects. The length of exclusion will depend on the strain of influenza identified. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Influenza Public Health Ontario: Avian Influenza Public Health Ontario: Avian Influenza - Real-Time PCR Public Health Agency of Canada: Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for Health Professionals |
Contact the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: August 2024, by CDC
See a sick or dead bird?
Report it online using the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative reporting tool.
To report a bird over the phone, call
1-866-673-4781.