The risk of bird flu to humans in Canada remains low despite a growing number of cases in North America. The Type A H5N1 virus, which has spilled from wild birds into U.S. poultry and dairy cows, poses minimal threat to Canadians. However, vigilance remains critical as the virus continues to impact several states in the U.S. In November 2024, Canada's first human case of the H5 bird flu was detected in British Columbia, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) maintains rigorous testing for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in retail milk samples as part of a nationwide surveillance program. This proactive approach aims to ensure public safety and prevent potential outbreaks. Meanwhile, nearly 960 dairy herds across 16 U.S. states have been affected by the H5N1 bird flu as of February 6. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 67 people have contracted the H5 bird flu in the U.S. since 2024, with one fatality reported in Louisiana.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that predominantly infects birds but can also affect mammals, including humans in rare instances. The CDC continues to assure the public that the risk from H5 bird flu viruses remains low. Nevertheless, the CDC has advised healthcare professionals to expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients to avoid delays in identifying human infections.
In New York, health authorities have issued advisories instructing doctors to inquire about potential exposures to wild and domestic animals or symptomatic individuals with probable or confirmed avian influenza. The New York State Department of Health has taken further precautions by temporarily closing all live bird markets in New York City, Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties for one week.
Canada's first human case involved a 13-year-old girl from British Columbia who became North America's first critical pediatric patient with avian influenza, resulting in a two-month hospitalization. The CFIA has observed no evidence of disease in Canadian dairy cows, underscoring their ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation's food supply.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease expert, emphasized the importance of controlling the virus:
“It’s yet another reason why we need to get this under control, especially in agricultural settings, especially in the United States, to prevent spillover events to humans and to reduce the risk of any outbreaks.” – Dr. Isaac Bogoch
He further highlighted the broader implications of the virus:
“It’s not just a human health issue or an animal health issue, it’s a food security issue.” – Dr. Isaac Bogoch
