Avian influenza

Avian influenza, also known as "bird flu," is a naturally occurring, viral infection commonly found in wild birds.

About avian influenza

Avian influenza can infect several species of birds including pets and food producing poultry (chickens and turkeys). Some birds, like ducks, can carry the virus without getting sick, but can still infect other birds. While it primarily affects birds, it can also cause disease in other wild and farmed animals, including dairy cattle. Human infections of avian influenza are rare but possible.

Since 2022, the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been identified in Nova Scotia as part of a global outbreak. To date in Nova Scotia, birds and animals, including farmed poultry have tested positive for avian influenza. Avian influenza has not been detected in dairy cattle or other food producing mammals in Canada. More information about the current avian influenza situation in Canada can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency webpage.

Risks to human health

On rare occasions, humans can become infected with avian influenza. The virus can be transmitted through close contact with an infected bird or animal or their secretions (blood, feces or respiratory fluids) either directly or through contact with surfaces or environments contaminated with secretions. Properly cooked meat, eggs and pasteurized milk are not a food safety risk.

In Nova Scotia, there are no cases of human infection with avian influenza.

Protect yourself

As a general guideline, members of the public should avoid touching or handling live, sick or dead wildlife. Do not take sick or injured wildlife into your home or vehicles.

To protect yourself from exposure to avian influenza:

avoid direct contact with blood, feces or respiratory secretions from wildlife
if contact with wildlife is unavoidable:

wear gloves to avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids and feces of an infected bird or animal
wash hands with soap and water thoroughly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60-90% alcohol) if there is no visible dirt present
immediately remove and wash any clothing that may be contaminated

report injured, sick or dead birds and wildlife to the NS Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by calling your local office or 1-800-565-2224. Contact your local DNR office or wildlife rehabilitation centre before transporting wildlife to a rehabilitation centre

In addition, those who work with animals or wildlife, such as agriculture workers, hunters, trappers, wildlife rehabilitators and researchers should also:

wear appropriate PPE such as gloves and a mask
stay up to date with vaccinations, including the annual seasonal influenza vaccine
frequently wash hands with soap and warm water
work in well-ventilated environments
wash contaminated surfaces and tools with soapy water and a disinfectant
keep pets away and protect children

Learn more: Public Health Agency of Canada – Wildlife and avian influenza – Handling guidelines to protect your health

While the seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against avian influenza, receiving the annual influenza vaccine is recommended and may help protect against co-infection, especially for those at higher risk of exposure to avian influenza.

Human symptoms of avian influenza

Avian influenza symptoms in humans vary from mild to severe and can be similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza, including:

fever
chills
runny nose
headache
cough
aching muscles
sore throat
red or runny eyes
diarrhea and abdominal pain
respiratory illness or difficulty breathing

If you are experiencing symptoms, and you had exposure to an infected bird or animal, contact your healthcare provider or call 811 indicating you may have been exposed to avian influenza. Exposures can include:

handling birds or animals suspected of having avian influenza
direct contact with surfaces or environments contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions of an infected bird or animal
working with birds or animals that have tested positive for avian influenza

Individuals having unprotected direct contact with infected birds, animals or surfaces heavily contaminated with avian influenza virus should monitor for symptoms listed above for 10 days after their last exposure to the infected birds or contaminated environmental surfaces.

Learn more: Symptoms of avian influenza (Government of Canada)

Protect wild birds

To limit the spread of avian influenza, do not feed wildlife including waterfowl, raptors, gulls or other water birds and remove bird feeders from areas that are accessible to poultry or other animals. If sick birds are observed near bird feeders, remove the feeders and report the sick birds.

Protect poultry

Avian influenza can have severe impacts on farmed poultry flocks, including death and humane destruction of infected flocks. To protect your flock:

prevent contact with wild birds and other animals
frequently clean barns, cages, equipment, feed containers, clothing and other surfaces
limit exposure to visitors
keep new birds separate from an existing flock for a minimum of 2 weeks
monitor for symptoms and contact a veterinarian if you suspect your birds are sick

Learn more: Protect your flock from bird flu (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Protect pets

Avian influenza infections in domestic pets, including cats and dogs, are rare but can occur. Avian influenza can be transmitted to cats and dogs when they eat, scavenge, or interact closely with infected birds, mammals or raw pet food.

Learn more: Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Pets and H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

Reporting and contact information

Report injured, sick or dead birds and mammals to the NS Department of Natural Resources by calling your local office or 1-800-565-2224. Avoid touching or handling live, sick or dead wildlife. Do not take sick or injured wildlife into your home or vehicles.

In Canada, avian influenza is a reportable disease under the federal Health of Animals Act and Regulations. All suspected cases of avian influenza in animals must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) by the producer or overseeing veterinarian through the nearest CFIA Animal Health Office. Bird owners report sick birds to the CFIA Phone toll free (within Canada and U.S.) 1-800-422-2342.

Avian influenza is also a reportable disease under the Nova Scotia Animal Health and Protection Act and Regulations and must be reported to the Nova Scotia Chief Veterinary Officer at (902) 893-6540.

Human cases of avian influenza are reportable under the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act. Notification typically occurs via directly at the time of diagnosis. Nova Scotia Health, Public Health offices are located throughout the province.

Contact

Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Phone: 902-424-5935
Toll-free (within Canada): 1-800-565-2224