Q1
What is Avian Influenza?
A1
Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious viral infection caused by the influenza virus type "A", which can affect several species of poultry (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet birds and wild birds.
Q2
Are there different types of AI?
A2
AI viruses can be classified into two categories: low pathogenic (LPAI) and high pathogenic (HPAI) forms based on the severity of the illness caused in poultry, with HPAI causing the greatest number of deaths. More information on AI virus types can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/viruse.shtml.
Q3
What are the visible symptoms of a bird affected by AI?
A3
Some or all of the following clinical signs are evident in infected birds:
-quietness and extreme depression;
-sudden drop in production of eggs, many of which are soft-shelled or without shells;
-wattles and combs become swollen and congested;
-swelling of the skin under the eyes;
-coughing, sneezing and nervous signs;
-diarrhoea;
-oedema (swelling) and congestion of the combs;
-haemorrhages on the hock;
Q4
Why is HPAI (High Pathogenic Avian Influenza) a topic of concern for Canadians?
A4
Avian influenza is not new. As a poultry disease, it has been recognized since the beginning of the last century, and AI viruses have long been present in wild birds. In 1997, a high pathogenic strain of H5N1 AI emerged in Southeast Asia. This particular virus, which is marked by rapid illness and high mortality in infected birds, has since spread throughout numerous Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and European countries. It has also been associated with illness and death in humans who have had close contact with infected birds. Public health authorities around the world are concerned that a human-adapted strain of this virus will emerge, resulting in human-to-human transmission and a human influenza pandemic.
Q5
How does HPAI differ from influenza that affects humans?
A5
Avian flu viruses, while quite contagious within bird populations, do not usually infect humans. While there are cases of transmission to humans, the incidents are rare and typically only occur when people are in direct contact with flocks of infected birds. More information about Avian Influenza and human health implications can be found here:http://www.influenza.gc.ca/ai-ga_e.html.
Q6
How does AI spread in bird populations?
A6
Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs for influenza viruses - yet show no clinical signs - and can be responsible for the introduction of infection into domestic poultry. The disease can also spread to birds through contact with infected poultry and poultry products, and through contaminated manure and litter. Examples of items that can carry and therefore spread virus are clothing, footwear, vehicles, equipment, feed and water.
Q7
Has Canada had occurrences of AI before?
A7
In the sixties, when turkeys were often raised in ranges (outdoors), cases of low pathogenic (LPAI) were often reported in the autumn. One of the viruses isolated in 1966 was later found to meet the modern criteria of a high pathogenic influenza virus. Since the sixties, the majority of turkeys have been raised in closed poultry houses to control other diseases and are managed under more stringent bio-security conditions. As a result, the cases of low pathogenic subsequent outbreaks of AI have been rare. The latest cases were reported in 2004 and 2005.
Q8
Are Canadian poultry or game birds infected with the highly pathogenic Asian strain of H5N1?
A8
There are no current reports of either wild or domestic Asian H5N1 infected birds in Canada. The CFIA, in partnership with other government and non-government organizations, continues to monitor commercial and non-commercial flocks and wild birds in Canada for the AI virus. Click here for more information on bird surveillance.http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/2006wildsauv/surenqe.shtml. Q9
Can avian influenza affect the safety of the food we eat?
A9
There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of properly cooked poultry or eggs could transmit avian flu to humans. All evidence to date indicates that thorough cooking will kill the virus.
More information on Avian Influenza and food safety can be found here:http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/animal/avia-poul/index_e.html. Q10
What measures do Canadian poultry/egg producers take to prevent the spread of AI?
A10
It is important to note that many Canadian poultry producers already maintain high standards of biosecurity within their operations. Canadian producers should use strict biosecurity to prevent the spread of AI to their operations. Biosecurity protects the health of livestock by preventing the transmission of disease. More information about biosecurity can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/poule.shtml. Q11
What steps are being taken by the Government of Canada to protect animal health from HPAI?
A11
The CFIA, in collaboration with other government and non-government partners, is implementing the following prevention and early warning measures to safeguard Canada’s bird populations from HPAI and the health of Canadians with respect to AI:
Surveillance - The Government of Canada will be sampling both wild and domestic bird populations for evidence of the virus and watching for abnormal mortality rates in the bird population. More information on the Wild Bird Survey can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/2006wildsauv/surenqe.shtml
Biosecurity - In light of the threat and risks associated with AI, increased attention has been drawn to the protection of domestic poultry in commercial and non-commercial operations through strict biosecurity measures. Biosecurity involves maintaining good hygiene practices and limiting exposure to external sources of contamination. More information on biosecurity can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/prevente.shtml.
Segregation - In the event that AI is detected in the wild bird population, the CFIA will execute a segregation protocol. A segregation protocol seeks to minimize, if not eliminate potential contact between wild birds and domestic or captive birds in the area during an AI outbreak.
Import Controls - The CFIA has enhanced its control measures on imports of live birds from all countries eligible to export birds to Canada to further limit opportunities for the importation avian influenza (AI) to Canada. More information on enhanced import measures with regard to AI can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/policy/ie-2006-2e.shtml. Q12
What is the CFIA doing to enhance Canada’s preparedness for AI?
A12
While it is extremely important to have early warning systems and prevention measures in place to keep AI out of Canada, similar efforts must be placed on preparing for a potential outbreak. Since 2004, Canada has had two AI outbreaks, during which many valuable lessons were learned and experience gained. The CFIA’s emergency preparedness approach focuses on five areas: Prevention and early warning, emergency preparedness, communications, response, and recovery.
A CFIA AI Emergency Response Team has been established.
Detailed response procedures have been developed
Avian influenza scenarios and exercises are being conducted
Partnerships with other government departments, other levels of government and external bodies are established. The focus of these partnerships is on AI planning, preparedness and response. Communication is on-going as the global AI situation develops.
Additional capacity in terms of human resources, equipment and facilities has been planned for.
The CFIA continues to inform the Canadian Public through its website, spokespersons, media releases and publications.
More information on the CFIA’s overall approach to Avian Influenza can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/prepsume.shtml Q13
How will the Government of Canada respond if HPAI is discovered in Canada?
A13
The Government of Canada has formalized its response plans in the event of an HPAI outbreak. The response would depend on the outbreak scenario. Many different scenarios have been anticipated and planned for, with accordingly different responses. More information about response plans can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/repinte.shtml.
Q15
What should Bird owners do to protect birds from AI infection?
A15
Avian influenza is spread directly from bird-to-bird through secretions and feces, and indirectly through contaminated feed, water and equipment. The CFIA reminds Canadian bird owners that following strict biosecurity practices may protect their birds from AI.
Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing the transmission of disease. Biosecurity is job security - it is the most important investment bird owners can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of AI in their flocks. Click here for more information on biosecurity:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/prevente.shtml.
Q16
Does avian influenza pose a risk to pet birds or other animal species?
A16
The highly pathogenic Asian Strain of H5N1 avian influenza currently found in Asia, Africa and Europe can infect multiple species of domestic (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) wild and pet birds. This virus has also been detected in mammalian species including humans, rats and mice, weasels and ferrets, pigs, cats and dogs. However, the number of documented cases of avian influenza H5N1 in non-avian species is very low despite the fact that this virus has caused large avian outbreaks globally, over the last few years. More information on AI and pets can be found here:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/petcome.shtml.
Q17
Should I be concerned about travel to other countries where AI outbreaks have been reported?
A17
The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains information on their Web site on the locations and severity of AI outbreaks around the world. Unless you are going to be visiting a farm in an AI-infected country, there is little risk of becoming exposed to the virus. Click here to view the World Health Organization list of disease outbreaks by country:http://www.who.int/csr/don/archive/country/en/index.html.
Q18
Are there restrictions on what I can bring back into Canada, relevant to the threat of AI?
A18
There are many restrictions on what you can bring back to Canada that are relevant to plant protection and animal health in Canada. It is in all of our interests to make sure that we don’t introduce these items into Canada either intentionally or not. Also be aware that significant fines can be levied against people for importing restricted items. Make yourself aware of what is permitted and what is not by visiting the government of Canada “ Be Aware” website. http://www.beaware.gc.ca/. Q19
If I am going to visit a farm outside of Canada, are there measures I need to take to prevent the spread of infection?
A19
If you are going to be visiting a poultry operation outside of Canada you should be aware of biosecurity measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of AI. Biosecurity refers to protecting the health of livestock by preventing the transmission of disease.
Biosecurity involves more than just maintaining good hygiene practices. Many animal diseases such as AI may spread directly from bird-to-bird through secretions and feces, and indirectly through contaminated feed, water and equipment.
If the farm that you are visiting has no biosecurity measures in place you should do the following:
Ask for a clean set of coveralls for the visit into a poultry operation and then leave the coveralls at the facility.
Wash your hands both before and after your visit the facility.
Disinfect your boots with a commercial disinfectant or solution of half bleach and half water before entering the poultry operation and after you leave the operation.
Avoid contact with farmed animals (including poultry), zoo animals or wildlife for five days after you return if you were exposed to similar animals while you were abroad.
Do not visit Canadian farms for 14 days if you visited a farm or had contact with wild birds while abroad. Be sure the footwear you wore to the farm or when you had contact with wild birds is disinfected and your clothing is washed thoroughly and dried at a high temperature. Complete the appropriate areas of your Customs Declaration Card regarding farm visits.
Click here for more information on biosecurity:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/avflu/bacdoc/prevente.shtml.
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