Avian Influenza
Updated: March 29, 2007
General Information on Avian Influenza:
Avian Influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds. On rare occasions, it can cause disease in humans. Typically, human disease symptoms are mild and readily treatable.
There are many different strains of avian influenza that, like with human influenza strains, routinely spread through bird populations. Currently, one strain know as H5N1 has received considerable media attention as it has killed many birds in Asia and a small number of people. H5N1 is has not yet been detected in Canada.
Human infections are almost always linked to direct contact with infected poultry, wild or pet birds, or with droppings from infected birds. Humans can inadvertently transmit the virus between bird populations through contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing and footwear.
Workers involved in control of outbreaks in birds are at increased risk of exposure to infection due to prolonged, close contact with birds and contaminated surfaces. These workers are advised to take precautions including hand washing and use of personal protective equipment. Employers should ensure workers receive training on these precautions and provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Health Canada, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization have published guidelines on worker protection. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides personal protective equipment and has published guidelines for farmers.
The World Health Organization has also published interim Avian Influenza infection control guidelines for health care facilities.
Updates on the Avian Influenza situation, together with details on precautions to follow and necessary personal protective equipment, can be found on the following websites:
Avian Influenza Information:
- Service Ontario
- Bird Flu: What You Need To Know
- Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:
- What you should know about a flu pandemic
- Health Canada:
- Avian Influenza
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency:
- Avian Influenza
- Government of Canada
- Pandemic Influenza
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control:
- Avian Influenza
- World Health Organization:
- Avian Influenza
Worker Health Precautions for Avian Influenza Outbreaks:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency:
- Guidelines for Farmers
- Farm Safety Association:
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
