Avian Influenza

February 2009

What is Avian Influenza H5N1 Asian strain?

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 circulating among birds in parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Cause : Type A influenza virus

Risk to Travellers : The risk for most travellers is low. Infection with avian influenza in humans is rare.  To date, human to human infection spread is also rare.

Severity : People who become infected with the H5N1 Asian strain can become seriously ill and in some cases die. Fatality rate among hospitalized patients with confirmed infection is high (about 60%).

Prevention : Avoid unnecessary contact with domestic poultry and wild birds as well as surfaces contaminated with their feces or secretions.   
Wash your hands often.  

Ensure that all poultry dishes, including eggs, are thoroughly cooked. 

Treatment : Antiviral drugs may be able to reduce the severity and duration of illness, if taken early enough.

Symptoms

• Can take two to eight days and possibly longer to appear
• Usually include symptoms similar to human influenza such as fever, cough, aching muscles and sore throat.
• In more severe cases people may develop serious respiratory conditions such as pneumonia which may lead to death.

Transmission

• Avian Influenza is spread to humans from birds on rare occasions. Most human cases have been traced to direct contact with live infected birds or their droppings.

Where is 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 around 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 occurrence of human cases of the Asian avian influenza (H5N1) around the world, refer to
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/

Related Travel Health Notices

Avian Influenza Worldwide

Recommendations for Travellers

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers

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

   1. Avoid direct 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 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 the Asian H5N1 strain to animals in Canada.  CFIA Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza . 

Don't Forget …

• Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
• What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
• What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
• 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)
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency – Fact sheet on Avian Influenza
• World Health Organization – Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
• World Health Organization – Fact Sheet