Avian influenza
Level 1 - Practise health precautions (more details)
Original publication date: January 17, 2019
Updated: July 17, 2024
Current situation
Sporadic human cases of avian influenza have been reported worldwide, the majority of which have been reported from China.
The risk to travellers is low.
About avian influenza
Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect humans and other mammals. Although some birds may get sick and die, other birds can be infected and still appear healthy. There are many types of avian influenza, which are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus (e.g. A(H5N1), A(H7N3), A(H9N2)).
Illnesses in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms to severe and fatal disease. Some of these viruses, such as A(H5N1) and A(H7N9), have caused serious illness in humans.
Although rare, avian influenza can be spread to humans through:
- close contact with infected birds and/or visits to live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
- close contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus (handling infected poultry, contact with infected bird droppings)
- person to person contact (very rare)
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission of these viruses remains low.
The symptoms for avian influenza are initially similar to seasonal influenza (flu):
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fever, greater than 38 °C (100.4 °F)
- aching muscles
- headache
Other early symptoms, mainly related to H5N1, may include:
- diarrhea
- runny nose
- sore throat
- fatigue
- conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- bleeding gums
Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza. It is important that antiviral medications be taken as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of getting sick.
Learn more:
Recommendations
Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel.
During your trip:
- avoid high-risk areas such as poultry farms, live bird/animal markets, and areas where poultry may be slaughtered.
- avoid contact with wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead), including chickens, turkeys, and domestic ducks.
- avoid surfaces that may have bird droppings on them.
- ensure that all poultry dishes, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked.
Meat, poultry, fish and seafood safety
Clean your hands regularly
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you travel.
- If your hands are visibly dirty, you should wash them with soap and water instead of using hand sanitizer.
Hand washing and staying healthy
Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hand.
- Throw away used tissues as soon as possible, preferably in a lined waste container.
Monitor your health
If you develop symptoms of avian influenza when you are travelling or after you return, call a health care professional as soon as possible. When you make an appointment, tell them:
- your symptoms
- where you have been travelling or living
- if you have had direct contact with birds (for example, visited a live bird/animal market) or had close contact with a sick person
The health care provider may provide you with additional guidance to follow during your appointment. Wear a mask if fever or respiratory symptoms develop.
Learn more:
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Registration of Canadians Abroad
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