Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
H5N1 Avian influenza in Alberta
Based on information to date, the risk to the public from the current strains of avian influenza (H5N1) circulating in birds in North America remains low. However, during spring and fall wild bird migration seasons, the level of risk associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in migratory waterfowl, domestic poultry and farmed mammals is higher than other times of year. Get the full details on avian influenza in Alberta.
Chief Provincial Veterinarian
-
Dr. Hussein Keshwani
Dr. Hussein Keshwani was appointed Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian in February 2026, following two years as the Deputy Chief. Raised on a farm in north central Alberta, he graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and began his career in rural mixed-animal practice. He later completed a Master of Public Health and joined Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation in 2014.
Since entering the Alberta public service, Dr. Keshwani has held a range of leadership and technical roles, working at the intersections of animal health and welfare, public health, emergency management, and legislative development. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2021.
As Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Keshwani represents Alberta on the Canadian Council of Chief Veterinary Officers. He also serves as an ex officio member of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Council and contributes to several provincial and national advisory committees and technical working groups. He has a strong commitment to protecting both animal and human health and is an advocate for applying One Health principles to address complex and evolving policy challenges.
Mandate
Having strong animal health and welfare 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 and welfare policy and works to prevent and respond to animal health concerns.
The OCPV focuses on:
- animal disease prevention and control activities, including emergency planning, premises identification and traceability programs, and disease surveillance
- overseeing administration of Alberta's Animal Health Act and Animal Protection Act, as well as other important acts and regulations
- providing advice and recommendations on related animal health and welfare 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 provincially regulated animal diseases
- working with the Ministry of Health and Alberta Health Services on topics that are important to both animal and public health, such as rabies, food-borne illness and antimicrobial resistance
- collaborating with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas' Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch on animal health topics and disease responses that affect both livestock and wildlife – such as chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis and avian influenza
- maintaining legislation to protect animals from distress and collaborating in the development of other tools to support the care of animals
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 (also responded to after hours and weekends)
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-415-0810
Email: [email protected]