Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alberta
During the spring months, migration of wild birds and warmer weather increases the risk to poultry. More information on Alberta's situation.
Poultry shows, swaps and auctions also present a risk for spread of avian influenza. It is recommended to avoid holding or attending these events with birds, but if you decide to do so, review Biosecurity for Poultry at Shows, Swaps and Auctions.
There is an extremely low risk to human health and no risk to food safety. While some strains have the potential to infect humans, previous cases of avian influenza in people have involved close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments.
There is no effective vaccine or cure for this disease, although vaccine options are being investigated. Biosecurity is essential for protecting your flocks and preventing the disease’s spread. More information on reducing the risk of HPAI can be found at Avian influenza in domestic birds.
HPAI is a reportable disease, so if you suspect or confirm a case in your flock, you must report it to:
- the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Phone: 403-338-5225
Email: [email protected] - or the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian.
If you have concerns about sick or dead wild birds, call 310-0000 or your local Fish and Wildlife Office.
The CFIA is leading the investigation and response.
Mandate
Having strong animal health policy and practices is important to Alberta's livestock and other animals. It's also important to public health, Alberta's environment and the agriculture industry.
Alberta’s Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) provides scientific and veterinary leadership in developing animal health policy, and works to prevent and respond to animal health concerns.
The OCPV focuses on:
- animal disease prevention and control activities
- overseeing administration of Alberta's Animal Health Act
- providing advice and recommendations on related animal health topics
Responsibilities
A key part of the OCPV's work is on collaboration and joint response. This includes:
- working closely with other provinces, levels of government, and industry on various food animal health topics including reportable and notifiable diseases
- working with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services on a number of topics that are important to both animal and public health, such as rabies and Salmonella
- collaborating with Alberta Environment and Parks' Fish and Wildlife Division on animal health topics and disease responses that affect both livestock and wildlife – these include chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis and avian influenza
Chief Provincial Veterinarian
Contact
Connect with the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-3448
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-415-0810
Address:
O.S. Longman Building
6909 116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2