Avian influenza (bird flu) in Canada

On 9 November 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported a human case of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in British Columbia, Canada. This is the first such human case in Canada.

The influenza virus identified in this case is related to the virus from an ongoing outbreak in poultry in British Columbia.

Advice for Travellers

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an influenza virus that spreads among birds. Rarely, the virus can spread to people and livestock through close contact with infected birds.

Travellers to countries where avian influenza has caused human disease should be aware of the potential risk of infection, particularly those visiting friends and relatives.

These travellers should be advised to avoid contact with:

• live poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail) or any wild birds
• any livestock (particularly cows and pigs)
• surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry/bird/livestock droppings
• commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms, live poultry markets, other farms or agricultural shows
• sick or dead poultry, birds or other animals

The virus is killed by thorough cooking of poultry, including eggs. Travellers should avoid:

• eating raw or undercooked poultry or poultry products, including food containing poultry blood
• bringing poultry or poultry products back into the UK

Care should be taken when handling raw or undercooked poultry products. Travellers should be advised to:

• maintain strict hand hygiene; particularly when preparing food, and before meals
• practise good respiratory hygiene and avoid close contact with people who appear unwell
• seek medical advice if respiratory/influenza-like symptoms develop during or after returning from countries where avian influenza has been reported

See the TRAVAX Avian Influenza page for further information.