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(Bird flu)
 Avian
Influenza (Bird flu)
This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, March 05, 2007. Environmental Health & Prevention
Services
Travel Facts
PDF of
Factsheet
What is Avian Influenza?
Avian
Influenza is a form of influenza (flu) that infects wild and domestic
birds. There are a number of varieties of Avian flu. Currently, southeast
Asia is dealing with a rapidly spreading outbreak of an Avian virus (H5N1)
that is infecting both poultry farms and wild birds.
Many
affected countries are presently reducing domestic bird numbers to cut the
risk of the virus spreading.
Can Humans get
Avian Flu?
Avian
flu viruses normally infect birds and potentially pigs. However, since
1997, on several occasions harmful bird flu viruses have been spread to
humans. Currently, the spread of the virus to humans has been very
limited. It appears to have occurred through contact with infected
droppings, nasal or oral secretions, or other bodily fluids of infected
poultry or wild birds.
These
viruses are very new to humans, so the human immune system has not yet
developed protection against it. Therefore any infection may be very
severe. Current flu vaccines will not prevent these infections but may
help to reduce the illness.
Since
viruses mutate or change often, it is not possible to make a vaccine that
will be effective against a new virus until an outbreak occurs. It may
take as long as 4 to 6 months to make a vaccine that is effective against
a new virus.
How
is the Avian Virus Spread?
Close
contact with:
-
Infected wild birds, poultry and poultry products
-
Contaminated clothing and footwear
-
Contaminated vehicles and equipment
-
Contaminated feed and water
-
Virus in manure and litter
-
Insects, rodents (mice, rats) and farm dogs/cats
may carry and spread the infection.
How
Can We Stop the Spread?
More
outbreaks in birds increase the chance for people to get the virus.
Several strains of Avian flu virus have been detected in
Canada
three times
since 1975, but at low levels.
Avoid
contact with live poultry.
The
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has strict regulations on bringing
birds and poultry products into
Canada
from other
countries. When a serious outbreak occurs, plans are in place to control
its spread into
Canada
. Getting rid
of infected flocks is frequently used as a measure to control the virus.
What
can Travellers Do?
Health
Canada
posts
updates on its website frequently. Since the disease may be carried on
clothing and footwear and in poultry products:
When
returning to Canada you should:
-
Declare all poultry products
-
If you visited a farm while away, make sure
clothing and shoes are free of dirt and manure.
Is
it safe to eat Poultry?
Eating
poultry in
Canada
is perfectly
safe. But if ou travel to
Asia
, it is especially important not to eat
under-cooked poultry, raw eggs or runny eggs.
Protect
you and Your Family
-
Get a flu shot
-
Wash hands often
-
Stay home if sick.
Health
Canada Website - Flu Watch: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fluwatch/index.html
Dated: 05/02/04
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