Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been found in dairy farms across certain U.S. States. To date, no confirmed cases of HPAI have been found in Canadian cattle. Protections are currently in place to prevent similar outbreaks in Canada. Producers are encouraged to follow good biosecurity practices to mitigate the risk of spreading HPAI between farms, animals, and people.
OFA and commodity groups continue to monitor the situation closely. Please refer to the following resource for tips on prevention, monitoring, and reporting.
Clinical Symptoms of HPAI Infection
- Reduced appetite.
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Dehydration.
- Thickened, discoloured milk.
- Decreased milk production
Spread of HPAI
HPAI is primarily transmitted by infected migratory birds to animals, and can be further spread on farms by people through infected material on clothing, shoes, vehicles, equipment, and water.
Limiting the Spread of HPAI
Animal to Animal
- Closely follow biosecurity protocols.
- Monitor herd for signs of illness.
- Restrict animal movement unless necessary.
- Isolate and monitor sick animals immediately.
- Disinfect boots and equipment.
- Reduce bird and wildlife access to farm property.
Animal to People
- Wear proper equipment when handling sick animals.
- Follow proper biosecurity and disinfection protocols.
- Change clothing before moving between farms.
- Limit contact with other livestock and poultry premises.
- Restrict human movement on farm and those from off-farm.
Water, Feed, and Air
- Restrict unnecessary equipment and vehicles on farm.
- Changing clothing when moving between farms.
- Reduce standing water on property.
- Do not use surface water as a drinking source.
- Separate biosecurity zones.
Disinfection
HPAI is killed easily using common disinfectants. Keep equipment, clothing, and footwear clean to protect animal and human health.
Other Information
Closely monitor the health status of your animals for clinical signs of disease. If you detect any sick animals on your farm, isolate the animal and contact your veterinarian immediately. Work with your veterinarian on testing, care of sick animals, and steps for returning to the herd.
Do not handle any sick or dead birds found on your farm. Contact your local Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative office for guidance.
Please see the following resources for more information:
Canada
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock
National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Reporting of Sick Birds
United States