Bird Flu

Ministry of Health

• Avian Flu: English and Français
• Avian Influenza in Poultry:  English and Français
• Animal Health Updates and Veterinary Advisories:  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

Public Health Ontario

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Veterinary Clinics

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)

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.  

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.

Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Influenza

Public Health Ontario: Avian Influenza

Public Health Ontario: Avian Influenza - Real-Time PCR

Public Health Ontario: Prevention and Management of Avian Influenza in Healthcare Settings Fact Sheet

Public Health Agency of Canada: Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for Health Professionals

Public Health Agency of Canada: Guidance on Human Health Issues related to Avian Influenza in Canada (HHAI)

PIDAC: Best Practices for Prevention, Surveillance and Infection Control Management of Novel Respiratory Infections in All Healthcare Settings

Ministry of Health: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Recommendations for PPE for Workers and Employers