Avian Influenza Worldwide

Released: February 11, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About Avian Influenza H5N1
• Where is Avian Influenza H5N1 Asian strain a concern?
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

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Travel Health Notice

Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu” is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. A particularly strong subtype known as the H5N1 Asian strain has been found in birds in parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. On rare occasions, humans have become infected with this virus. 

If you are travelling in a region where avian influenza is known to be present, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that you:

1. Avoid all high-risk areas such as poultry farms and live animal markets.
2. Wash your hands often.
3. Avoid eating undercooked eggs or poultry.
4. See a health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms while travelling, or after you return to Canada.

About Avian Influenza H5N1

• Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu” is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds.
• A particularly strong subtype known as the H5N1 Asian strain has been found in birds in parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. On rare occasions, humans have become infected with this virus. 
• People who become infected with the H5N1 Asian strain can become seriously ill.  In some cases the disease is fatal. Fatality rates among hospitalized patients with confirmed infection is high (about 60%).
• Most human cases have been traced to direct contact with live infected birds or their droppings.

For additional information on avian influenza, see PHAC's Disease Information Backgrounder: Avian Influenza.

Where is the Avian Influenza H5N1 Asian strain a concern?

• Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa have all had outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 Asian strain in poultry since 2003.  For updates on the summary of avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across the world, visit :
  Public Health Agency of Canada - Current Avian influenza (H5N1) affected areas.
• From 2003 to 2008 there have been about 400 confirmed human cases in 15 countries.

For updates on human cases of the Asian avian influenza H5N1 strain around the world, refer to :
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/

Recommendations for travellers

It is recommended that you:

1. Avoid all high-risk areas such as poultry farms and live animal markets;

   1. Avoid unnecessary contact with birds, including chickens, ducks and wild birds
   2. Avoid surfaces that may have bird droppings or secretions on them.
2. Wash your hands often.
3. Ensure that all poultry dishes are well cooked, including eggs.

4.  Monitor your health;

   1. If you develop flu-like symptoms while travelling, or after you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider.
   2. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling or living in an area where the H5N1 Asian strain occurs.

In addition to protecting your own health, you should consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) guidelines for information on how to prevent spreading H5N1 Asian strain to animals in Canada CFIA Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza . 

Don't Forget …

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them

Other Related Information

• Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on Avian Influenza
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Current Avian influenza (H5N1) affected areas
• Health Canada – It's Your Health – Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
• World Health Organization – Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
• World Health Organization – Fact Sheet