Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a type of influenza A virus which is mainly found in wild birds. Avian influenza can also infect domestic poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, and less commonly, mammals. Human infections with avian influenza are rare. If people do become infected, it is usually because they have had close contact with infected poultry or their environment. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, red eyes, breathing problems and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting. Avian influenza does not spread easily from person to person.

Avian influenza A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b was first detected in Canada in 2021 and continues to circulate worldwide with ongoing detections in various wild, domestic and backyard bird populations, and has also been detected in various wild and domestic mammalian species.

Data as of August 8, 2024:

• In 2024, there have been 0 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H5N1) reported in Ontario.
• Since influenza A(H5N1) first emerged in humans in 1997, there have been no domestically acquired human A(H5N1) infections reported in Canada, and one case reported in a returning traveler in 2014 .

This data will be updated as new information becomes available.