In October 2024 we entered Wave 6 of the avian influenza outbreak in Canada. Some summary statistics about Wave 6, as of March 21, 2025, include: 

• 107 infected premises in British Columbia (81), Alberta (4), Saskatchewan (2), Manitoba (1), Ontario (11), Quebec (5), Nova Scotia (1), and Newfoundland (2). 

• Of the 105 infected premises, 94 were commercial premises, of varying species: layers (34), turkeys (18), ducks (12), broilers (12), broiler breeders (10), mixed production (6), and specialty birds (2). 

• Most detections have been the H5N1 strain, but in British Columbia and Quebec, H5N2 was detected, and in Newfoundland, H5N5 was detected. Regardless of the strain, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented the same mitigation measures. 

• Sequencing results have all been negative for the B3.13 variant known to be affecting cattle in the United States. A monitoring system for raw milk sampling was put in place, and all 2,443 samples collected to-date have been negative for avian influenza. 

• A new zoning system for the Fraser Valley was piloted to help maintain business continuity and meet international obligations, while reducing and simplifying surveillance requirements without increasing the risk for disease spread.  

 

An overview of the entire event and details of cases can be found on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System’s website.  

Canada has now experienced three years and six distinct “seasons” of outbreaks in various parts of the country. While Canada continues to manage the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), much has been learned about how to respond to the disease. The relationships developed between industry and government throughout the outbreak, and the refining of response protocols through joint working groups, has resulted in a more effective, flexible, and timely response.  

Farmers across the country have assessed and made improvements to biosecurity to protect both their flocks, and those of their neighbours – these efforts are acknowledged across industry and government.  

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) continues to meet regularly with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to develop avian influenza policy and works with the provincial chicken boards and the National Poultry Group on prevention and mitigating the impacts of the response.  

 

Spring migration  

A small number of cases continued to be detected throughout this winter, indicating that the virus is still circulating in the environment. The real-time migration map in the United States shows wild birds actively migrating north into Canada. The Spring migration represents another period of increased risk, and another great opportunity to evaluate biosecurity practices and implementation.  

If not already being used, consider a physical barrier to help with proper boot changes prior to accessing the Restricted Area of the barn.  

 Vaccination – A Complicated Issue 

Vaccination is not a straight-forward issue, with major operational and economic hurdles, and political complications that need to be considered.  

CFC is a member of Canada’s Avian Influenza Vaccination Task Force which is working to consider vaccination options for Canada. Some activities of the Task Force to-date have included: 

• Meeting with regulators from France, UK and Netherlands to understand their approach as they have been implementing or evaluating vaccines. 

• Understanding the evolving discussions at the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on vaccination and surveillance in poultry. 

• Examining the cost-benefit of using HPAI vaccines in Canada.  

• Considering the operational needs for implementing HPAI vaccination programs. 

While CFIA has approved two vaccines for use in chickens, work continues on additional vaccines for turkeys and ducks. 

CFC will continue to work with CFIA and the other National Poultry Groups on vaccination options.

  

Human health considerations 

In November 2024, Canada reported the first domestically acquired case of avian influenza in a human in British Columbia. The person had no known link to any infected premises other farms. The epidemiological study concluded with no clear source of infection, and no other human cases were identified.   

As of March 14, 2025, the US has reported 70 human cases of avian influenza, including one death, with most linked to exposure from infected dairy or poultry farms.  

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) assessment is that the risk to Canadians remains low, though individuals working with infected poultry or livestock have an increased risk of exposure and infection. PHAC has collaborated on different guidance documents outlining precautions that should be taken to protect yourself from infection, including this infographic.  

The government of Canada has purchased an initial supply of 500,000 doses of a human vaccine against avian influenza. Broad deployment of the vaccine is not being recommended at this time, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has developed guidance for provinces and territories on whether to use the vaccine, and key populations to prioritize if its use is considered necessary; poultry farm workers are one of the key populations.