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Avian Flu Outbreak in Canada
Avian flu, or bird flu, an H5N1 strain, has spread to mammals and caused human cases in Canada. The article discusses the virus's impact, safety of milk, vaccine availability and risk to the public.
English
Canada
HealthPublic HealthPandemicBird FluAvian FluViral Infection
Public Health Agency Of CanadaCanadian Food Inspection AgencyWorld Health OrganizationSimon Fraser UniversityMcmaster University
Fiona BrinkmanMatthew Miller
- Are there vaccines for avian flu?
- While vaccines for avian flu exist, they are not readily available and require months to produce. Canada does not maintain large stockpiles but has agreements with pharmaceutical companies to accelerate production during a pandemic.
- Who is most at risk from avian flu?
- Those working in poultry farms or with sick wild animals are at higher risk, but the risk to the general public remains low unless the virus undergoes significant genetic changes to enhance human-to-human transmission.
- How is avian flu affecting birds and other mammals?
- The H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain has spread to mammals, including cows, bears, foxes, and marine mammals, causing mass die-offs in some populations. This spillover to mammals, especially cattle, raises concerns due to increased human contact.
- What is avian flu and what are its characteristics?
- Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a contagious viral infection primarily affecting birds, caused by influenza A viruses like the H5N1 strain. It's highly contagious among birds and has caused significant mortality in poultry and wild birds globally.
- Has bird flu been found in Canadian cows? Is milk safe to drink?
- Bird flu has not been detected in Canadian cows, and extensive testing of milk samples has shown no evidence of the virus. Pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption.