H5N1 avian influenza in Alberta

As migratory wild bird seasons approach (spring and fall), there is uncertainty in the risk associated with HPAI in migratory waterfowl. For information on HPAI in wild birds in Alberta, see:

Avian Influenza in wild birds

The current highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Canada began in 2022. While the number of affected flocks has decreased in successive years, the risk to domestic flocks is still elevated during the spring and fall migration of wild waterfowl. The detection of multiple infected flocks in September 2025 signals the possibility of a resurgence of domestic poultry cases this fall.

The latest information on domestic poultry cases is available from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Poultry shows, swaps and auctions with live birds present a risk for spread of avian influenza, as well as other poultry diseases. It is recommended to avoid holding or attending these events, particularly during spring and fall migration.

However, if you decide to do so, review: Biosecurity for Poultry at Shows, Swaps and Auctions
 

While there have been no confirmed cases in farmed mammals in Canada thus far, detections in cattle, pigs, goats and alpacas in the USA indicate that these and likely other farmed species are susceptible.

Avian influenza is a reportable disease in any species; however, approaches to managing the disease differ significantly between poultry and other species.

HPAI in dairy cattle

On March 25, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the finding of H5N1 in dairy cattle herds with illness and drops in milk production. Since then, there have been more than a thousand cases in US dairy farms involving many thousands of animals.

Beginning in 2024, there has been regular surveillance for HPAI in Canadian dairy cattle utilizing milk samples collected prior to pasteurization. Dairy farmers and their veterinarians have also increased their knowledge of this disease and continue to monitor cattle for signs of HPAI infection. There have been zero HPAI detections in Canadian dairy herds or surveillance milk samples as of Sept 12, 2025. Up-to-date data is available from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The process of milk pasteurization kills pathogens that may be harmful to humans and has been confirmed to be effective at killing the HPAI virus. All milk sold or otherwise distributed to the public in Canada is required by law to be pasteurized. Should HPAI infection occur in a Canadian dairy herd, pasteurized milk would continue to be safe for consumption.

For additional information and current links and resources, visit the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System.

Domestic pets, especially cats, are susceptible to infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). Cases have been sporadic in Canada, typically associated with contact with or scavenging infected wild birds. There have also been numerous cases in cats in the USA that lived on infected dairy farms or were fed contaminated raw pet food.

Contact your veterinarian if you have a pet with outdoor access or that eats raw food and has developed upper respiratory or neurological symptoms. Avoid feeding raw poultry meat or unpasteurized (raw) milk to your pets and feral cat populations. It is particularly important to monitor the health status of barn or farm cat populations on dairy and poultry farms, as infected cats can be the first sign that HPAI virus is present in the farm environment, and it is possible they could transmit the virus to other animals including humans.

For additional information, visit: Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System - HPAI H5N1 in Cats.

The risk to the public from the current strains of Avian Influenza (H5N1) circulating in birds in North America remains low; however, those who come into contact with sick birds or other animals have an increased risk and should take precautions. For more information, see:

• Fact sheet: Avian Influenza and Human Health

Influenza viruses are easily killed by heat. There is no risk of exposure from properly handled and cooked poultry and other meat, eggs, and game bird products, nor from pasteurized milk. For further details, visit:

• Wildlife and avian influenza – Handling guidelines to protect your health
  Information from the Public Health Agency of Canada

There are no effective vaccines or treatments approved for use in livestock in Canada at this time, 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:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Phone: 403-338-5225
Email: cfia.westaisickbird-ouestialesoiseauxmalades.acia@inspection.gc.ca

Or 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)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading the investigation and response in poultry, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian are monitoring the situation as it relates to other livestock species. You may also reach out to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian for any questions related to animal testing

• Status of ongoing avian influenza response by province

If you have concerns about sick or dead wild birds, call 310-0000 or your local Fish and Wildlife Office.