Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a type of influenza A virus which is mainly found in wild birds. Avian influenza can also infect domestic and commercial poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, and less commonly, mammals, including dairy cattle. 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 other animals 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 the virus has also been detected in various wild and domestic mammalian species.

Data as of November 13, 2024:

• In 2024, there have been 0 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H5N1) reported in Ontario.
• On November 13, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed a human case of avian influenza caused by the influenza A(H5N1) virus in Canada. This is the first reported domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Canada since influenza A (H5N1) first emerged in humans in 1997.   

This data will be updated as new information becomes available.