Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a deadly, fast-spreading disease that poses a serious threat to poultry and other species. Common signs in poultry include sudden death, decreased feed and water consumption, and lethargy. Other species may show varied symptoms depending on their exposure and susceptibility.

In Canada, HPAI is a reportable disease in all animals, and any suspected cases must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Information about detections in Canada can be found on CFIA’s website.

Collaborating to addressing poultry and livestock emergencies across Canada

The Poultry and Livestock Emergency Management Network (PLEMN), established by Animal Health Canada’s Emergency Management Division, is a collaborative platform designed to improve communication and coordination in addressing poultry and livestock emergencies across Canada.

The network brings together provincial and territorial representatives to share critical information, exchange best practices, and strengthen emergency preparedness for animal health incidents. By fostering collaboration, PLEMN aims to minimize duplication of efforts and enhance the industry’s capacity to respond effectively to disease outbreaks and other emergencies impacting livestock and poultry.

PLEMN focuses on:

• Facilitating timely updates and lessons learned from past incidents.
• Encouraging teamwork across jurisdictions to tackle common challenges.
• Identifying training opportunities to strengthen emergency response efforts.
• Developing collective strategies for managing livestock and poultry emergencies.

The network meets quarterly to ensure continuous engagement and support. While PLEMN is not a decision-making body, it plays a vital role in aligning efforts to safeguard Canada’s livestock industry.

Biosecurity is your best defense

Protecting your animals starts with strong biosecurity practices:

• Keep wild birds and wildlife away from your farm to prevent disease spread.
• Secure feed and water sources to avoid contamination.
• Limit farm access and disinfect vehicles, equipment, and boots before and after handling animals.
• Avoid cross-farm visits and only bring cleaned and disinfected items into animal areas.
• Source animals responsibly and quarantine new or returning animals for at least 30 days before integration.

Find practical biosecurity resources for your poultry and livestock here.

HPAI in dairy cattle

Since March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been detected in dairy cattle herds in several states in the US. See USDA map. There have been no cases detected to date in Canadian dairy cattle.

In settings where people and animals from different places gather closely, such as exhibitions, there is a higher likelihood of influenza viruses spreading. Attendees at exhibitions should take precautions to prevent the transmission of influenza A viruses between animals and between animals and humans.

Animal Health Canada collaborated with provinces, livestock industries, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada to create biosecurity and guidance documents to help prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza spread.

If you observe signs of illness, act immediately by reporting them to your veterinarian, provincial animal health authority, or the CFIA. Early detection and swift action are key to protecting Canada’s poultry and livestock industries.