What is avian flu?
Avian influenza, also called avian flu or bird flu, is a virus that can affect all species of birds. The virus can also affect mammals, including people, although that is relatively rare.
This website gives basic information about avian flu. It also includes Manitoba's protection measures and plans for a possible avian influenza outbreak. In Manitoba, the risk of a major outbreak of avian influenza is low however it is wise to have an emergency plan.
Three different types of influenza
- Annual human influenza - We are most familiar with human influenza viruses, commonly called the flu, that circulate every year.
- Avian influenza - This is bird flu that affects birds and some mammals. In rare cases, this virus can spread from birds to people.
- Pandemic human influenza - A pandemic, or large scale outbreak, would be the result of a major change in an influenza virus, for which people will have little or no specific immunity.
Avian influenza facts
- Wild birds, particularly ducks and geese, have carried influenza viruses for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years.
- Wild birds may carry avian influenza without any signs of disease. These birds can spread the disease to other birds, including domestic poultry.
- Although avian influenza in humans is rare, humans in Asia and Europe have become ill with avian influenza.
- There has been little, if any human-to-human transmission of the disease. Most people have become ill through direct, or close, contact with infected birds.
- Scientists are monitoring avian influenza to detect any changes that could potentially cause a pandemic. It is not known if the next pandemic would come from this avian influenza or another source.
- Fully cooking domestic and wild poultry products, such as chicken, turkey, ducks, geese and eggs, will kill harmful viruses, including the avian influenza virus.
Risk of Manitobans getting avian flu
- The risk of getting the Asian H5N1 avian influenza from healthy geese in parks, ponds and golf courses is considered extremely low.
- To reduce the risk, avoid feeding wild birds or coming into direct contact with them or their feces.
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds.
- If you find a large number of dead wild birds call the Canadian Wildlife Health Centre at 1-800-567-2033 or Manitoba Conservation toll free 1-800-214-6497 or (204) 945-6784 in Winnipeg.
Risk to pets
- Pets should avoid contact with geese, or any animal droppings.
- If contact does occur, thoroughly wash any skin that becomes soiled.
Government response to avian flu
- A federal/provincial wild bird surveillance program is in place across Canada to detect the virus.
- The virus could also be introduced into Canada from illegally imported birds or through contaminated feed accessible to birds.
- There are strict border controls in place to stop infected birds or meat from being brought into the country.
Responsibilities during an outbreak
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the federal agency responsible for managing an outbreak of avian influenza in Canada.
- Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and other provincial agencies, would also play an important role in any disease control effort.
- Manitoba Health is responsible for ensuring the safety of human health during an avian flu outbreak.
Fact Sheets
- Avian Influenza - A Manitoba Overview
- Influenza: Annual, Pandemic and Avian [pdf 76KB]
- Avian Influenza - Information for Municipalities [pdf 58KB]
- Avian Influenza - Food Safety and Avian Influenza Prevention [pdf 51KB]
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Manitoba Conservation
Coordinating Agencies
- Office of the Chief Medical Office of Health
- Office of Disaster Management
- Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization
- Manitoba Emergency Plan
- Office of the Chief Veterinarian
Government of Canada
World Health Organization
