What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza, or in simpler terms, bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that MAINLY affects birds (both domestic and wild, especially chickens), but also could be passed to mammals and humans through close contact with the infected. It is mainly caused by type “A” influenza virus and there are 2 general types of the virus:

1. low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI)

2. highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

Lucky for us, most of the viruses are part of the low pathogenic avian influenza, which means the birds usually have little or no signs of illness. So, they will not die. On the other hand, it also means that we cannot detect and guard against the illness, since we wouldn’t know which birds have it. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is the exact opposite, and will cause death.

They are also divided based on the proteins found in the viruses: hemagglutinin(H protein) and neuraminidase(N protein). Since there are 16 H and 9N proteins, there are 144 possible combinations, which means a lot of work for our immune system.

What happens if I get infected?

First, you have to make sure you actually are infected and not just paranoid. Symptoms include:

• cough

• shortness of breath

• fever

• aching muscles

• headache

• diarrhea

• runny nose

• sore throat

• fatigue

• conjunctivitis (red eyes)

• bleeding gums

Some rarer symptoms include: 

• severe respiratory illness

  • difficulty breathing

  • pneumonia

  • acute respiratory distress syndrome

• neurological changes (changed mental state or seizures)

If you are REALLY unfortunate, the infection/illness could cause multiple-organ failure, possibly leading to death.  However, the chances are low.

What Should I Do?

As avian flu cases are rising, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and others. If the disease is contracted, remember to immediately contact your local public health care authority if either you or a bird has the disease, and self-isolate to not spread the disease to others.

If you do end up contracting the disease, don’t worry! There are ways to treat said illness. For example, antiviral medication can be used to reduce symptoms and serious complications, as well as reduce duration of the illness. Unfortunately, birds are not as fortunate, as there is no cure or way to prevent them from contracting the disease. 

Latest “fowl” news

The disease has been found in numerous poultry and dairy cattle in Canada. An estimated 14,566,000 birds have been affected, without counting mammals and humans. However, there is good news, which is that the disease is not a food concern! There is no evidence suggesting that cooked poultry or eggs, or any infected animal in the form of food will transmit the disease to the human that is eating it.

Bibliography

Agency, C. F. I. (2025, February 25). Facts about avian influenza. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/facts-about-avian-influenza 

Agency, C. F. I. (2025b, February 25). Latest bird flu situation. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation 

Agency, C. F. I. (2025b, March 28). Status of ongoing avian influenza response by province. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/status-ongoing-response 

Canada, P. H. A. of. (2024, May 24). Avian influenza A(H5N1): Symptoms and treatment. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1.html#a1 

Chappatte in International Herald Tribune. (2005). Bird flu?. Chappatte Globe Cartoon. https://chappatte.com/en/images/bird-flu