The Public Health Agency of Canada has heightened its risk assessment for avian influenza, signaling an escalating situation. Although the risk to the general public remains low, the agency emphasizes that the threat from human influenza and COVID-19 is notably higher. Since 2021, outbreaks in domestic poultry and wildlife have surged across Canada and the United States, resulting in over 15 million birds being culled in Canada alone. British Columbia has reported the highest number of poultry outbreaks, while three large poultry farms within the Middlesex-London Health Unit's jurisdiction are currently grappling with infections.
Eight poultry farms have been under quarantine since mid-December due to active infections, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The situation is further complicated by the U.S.'s first recorded human death from bird flu—a 65-year-old Louisiana resident who contracted the virus after contact with infected backyard poultry. In Canada, a 13-year-old girl from British Columbia narrowly survived a bird flu infection last fall, with the infection source remaining unidentified.
Wild bird populations are also showing increasing signs of infection. Recent weeks have seen positive tests for bird flu in Ontario among species such as bald eagles, wild swans, crows, and other waterfowl. In response, the Ontario government updated its avian influenza management guidelines at the start of the year. Some farm workers in Ontario have received antiviral treatments to prevent potential bird flu infections.
Dr. Alexander Summers highlights the growing concern regarding human cases of bird flu:
“With the reported cases amongst humans, that is an increasing concern for us. At the local level, at this point, it means we have to be diligent and vigilant when it comes to reducing the risk of transmission from a contaminated agricultural community to the surrounding population. That is our No. 1 focus right now: containment.” – Dr. Alexander Summers
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with vaccine manufacturers to update existing authorized vaccines, yet there are currently no avian influenza vaccines available to the public in Canada. The ongoing situation underscores the importance of monitoring viral mutations globally:
“The big concern is just like with COVID, these viruses can mutate and change, and it is those mutations and changes that we want to make sure we are monitoring at a global level. That is where the risk really goes up.” – Dr. Alexander Summers
In Ontario, animal health laboratories are mandated to report any findings of avian or novel influenza to the ministry of health. This requirement aims to facilitate timely responses to potential outbreaks.
The situation in British Columbia serves as a stark reminder of the virus's regional impact. With numerous outbreaks concentrated in this area, authorities are focusing on containment measures to protect both poultry stocks and human populations. The economic ramifications for farmers are profound, as they face significant losses due to culling and imposed quarantines.
Meanwhile, the case in Louisiana serves as a cautionary tale for North America, emphasizing the need for stringent biosecurity measures. Human infections remain rare but highlight the potential for zoonotic transmission that could lead to broader public health challenges.
Efforts to combat avian influenza involve not only immediate containment but also long-term strategies for prevention and vaccine development. The partnerships between Canadian health agencies and vaccine manufacturers aim to bolster defenses against future outbreaks.
