COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Provides leadership in developing animal health policy and working to prevent and respond to animal health concerns.
Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alberta
The Avian Influenza Risk Level in Alberta has recently been changed to RED. More information on Alberta's situation.
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, which can be spread to farmed flocks during wild bird migratory season. 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:
If you have concerns about sick or dead wild birds, please call 310-0000 or your local Fish and Wildlife Office.
The CFIA is leading the investigation and response.
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:
A key part of the OCPV's work is on collaboration and joint response. This includes:
Dr. Lehman has been in the role of Chief Provincial Veterinarian since July 2016.
Born and raised in Alberta’s Vegreville area, Dr. Keith Lehman graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Agriculture in 1994 and from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 1999. Dr. Lehman has worked in private mixed animal practice and at both the federal and provincial levels of government.
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)
After business hours: 1-800-524-0051
Fax: 780-415-0810
Address:
O.S. Longman Building
6909 116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2
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