Avian influenza: Advice for travellers

Original publication date: January 17, 2019

Updated: September 16, 2024

Current situation

Sporadic human cases of avian influenza have been reported worldwide, the majority of which have been reported from China and Cambodia.

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 or mild disease to severe and fatal disease. 

Although rare, avian influenza can be spread to humans several ways, including:

• close contact with infected birds and/or visits to live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• close contact with things that have been contaminated with the virus (e.g., contact with infected bird droppings, raw milk from livestock)
• close contact with mammals, such as those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes), and livestock (e.g., cattle)
• 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.

Symptoms:

The symptoms for avian influenza are initially similar to seasonal influenza (flu):

• cough
• shortness of breath
• fever
• aching muscles
• headache

Other early symptoms, may include:

• diarrhea
• runny nose
• sore throat
• fatigue
• conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• bleeding gums

Learn more:

Avian influenza

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 and other animals may be slaughtered.
• avoid contact with wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead), including chickens, turkeys, and domestic ducks.
• avoid contact with wildlife (alive or dead) and other livestock, including cattle. 
• avoid surfaces that may have bird droppings on them.
• ensure that all poultry dishes, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked.
• avoid consuming raw milk and milk-based products.

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 look 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 livestock, or had close contact with sick animals or 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.

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:

Symptoms of avian influenza

If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad