Avian Influenza (AI)

Avian Inflenza Information Links
Alberta Chicken Producers
Alberta Egg Producers
Alberta Turkey Producers
Chicken Farmers of Canada
Canadian Egg Marketing Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA

What is bird flu? (Alberta Turkey Producers - Apr/04)

Avian Influenza (AI) – or bird flu - is a highly contagious and infectious viral disease in wild and domestic birds. Avian Influenza is caused by a virus that can be easily transmitted from one bird to another. Birds that have been infected by this virus become very sick and often die.

Is it contagious to humans?
Canada has never had a case of Avian Influenza in humans.

Avian Influenza is primarily a virus that affects birds. On very rare occasions it can cause illness/disease in humans. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Canada has one of the world’s highest health and safety standards. Alberta poultry farmers maintain excellent biosecurity, and restrict access to their farms. Our On-Farm Food Safety Programs are in line with Canadian Food Inspection Agency standards.

Are consumers of poultry meat at risk for contracting Avian Influenza?
Consumers of poultry meat are not at risk of becoming infected with Avian Influenza. There has been no evidence that Avian Influenza can be transmitted through contaminated food.

Consumers should continue to practice proper handling techniques when cooking poultry products. When chicken and turkey is fully cooked, your food thermometer should read 170 °F (77°C).

What about the transmission of Avian Influenza to humans that has occurred in the recent outbreak of bird flu in Asia?
The transfer of Avian Influenza to humans is very, very rare. The bird flu strain found in Asia is not found in Canada. The H5N1 Avian Influenza strain, which is infecting humans and chickens in Asia, is not common.