Bird Flu (Avian Flu, Avian Influenza)

Avian influenza or avian flu, (commonly known as bird flu), is a type of influenza A virus that is mainly found in wild birds. Avian influenza can also infect domestic and commercial poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, and less commonly mammals, including diary cattle. Human infections with avian influenza are rare. If people do become infected it is usually because they have had close contact with infected poultry or other animals or their environment.

Symptoms can include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, red eyes, breathing problems, and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting. Avian influenza does not spread easily from person to person. Avian influenza A (H5N1) was first detected in Canada in 2021 and continues to circulate worldwide with ongoing detections in various wild, domestic and backyard bird populations, and the virus has also been detected in various wild and domestic mammalian species.

More Information about Bird Flu

Ministry of Health

Avian Flu: English and Français
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Recommendations for Personal Protective Equipment for Workers and Employers: English and Français

Public Health Agency of Canada

Avian Influenza A (H5N1): Symptoms and Treatment: English and Français
Cleaning and disinfection: avian influenza English and Français
Prevent the Spread of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Poster: English and Français

Wild bird surveillance is conducted through a collaboration between:

CFIA (HPAI in wildlife dashboard)
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC)

Reporting

Report to the Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and 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.

After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the Answering Service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible.

Report sick or dead wild birds that are on municipal property to your local municipality and on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative online reporting tool. Check with your local municipality for approved methods of disposing of dead birds. Large numbers of dead wild birds should be managed as instructed by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have bird flu?

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 and Veterinary Provider Information

Vaccination

Health Canada has authorized and purchases a human vaccine against avian influenza (HVAI), Arepanrix H5N1. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has outlined factors for provinces and territories to consider when deciding whether and when to start offering HVAI to key populations based on their known or potential risk of exposure to sources of avian influenza A(H5N1). See Rapid response: Preliminary guidance on human vaccination against avian influenza in a non-pandemic context as of December 2024.

All individuals 6 months of age and older are recommended to receive an authorized, age-appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine each year.

Infection Prevention and Control

In addition to routine practices, individuals under investigation and individuals with probable or confirmed avian influenza should be placed on airborne, droplet, and contact precautions, which includes placing the individual in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), where possible. See Public Health Ontario: Prevention and Management of Avian Influenza in Healthcare Settings Fact Sheet and Public Health Agency of Canada: Interim recommendations for infection prevention and control of avian influenza in healthcare settings.

Laboratory Testing

Consider and test for avian influenza (in addition to other causes of acute respiratory illness) if the individual has compatible symptoms and reports exposure to potentially infected birds, wildlife, livestock or other animals. Obtain both a nasopharyngeal swab and a throat swab. The selection of a positive influenza specimen for submission for influenza A subtyping or whole genome sequencing is guided by criteria determined by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory. See Public Health Ontario: Avian Influenza - Real-Time PCR for additional information.

Treatment

Antiviral agents can be used to treat suspected, probable, or confirmed avian influenza A(H5N1) cases. The ideal time to begin antiviral treatment is within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Treatment can be initiated while awaiting confirmatory test results and should not be delayed. See Public Health Agency of Canada: Guidance on Human Health Issues related to Avian Influenza in Canada (HHAI) for additional information on antiviral recommendations including treatment dosage guidelines.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Individuals who have had exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1) and who do not have any signs and symptoms should have a clinical assessment to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis are appropriate based on exposure risk. See Public Health Agency of Canada: Guidance on human health issues related to avian influenza in Canada (HHAI) - 11.2.2 antiviral Prophylaxis for additional information on antiviral recommendations, including dosage guidelines.

Resources for Veterinarians

Public Health Ontario: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Veterinary Clinics
Ministry of Health: Avian Influenza in Poultry
Ministry of Health: Animal Health Updates and Veterinary Advisories

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: March 2026, by CDC

Person by lake wearing camouflage jacket, holding binoculars and looking upward.

See a sick or dead bird?

Report it online using the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative reporting tool.

Report a Bird

To report a bird over the phone, call

1-866-673-4781.