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As of June 24, 2024, Highly pathogenic avian influenza – HPAI (H5N1) has been detected in 121 dairy cattle herds in 12 states in the US.
There have been no cases detected to date in Canadian dairy cattle.
Animal Health Canada with its divisions have been working closely with government, industry, veterinary associations, regional/national surveillance partners, and laboratorians on the situation.
As this is an evolving issue, we will continue to work with our members and share the most up-to-date information as we receive them on this page.
Please refer to our resources list at the bottom of the page for the most updated resources.
E-mail us at info@animalhealthcanada.ca if you have any inquiries.
June 26, 2024
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Animal Health Canada worked with the Dairy Farmers of Canada to create a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) biosecurity infographic for dairy farmers that highlights biosecurity, prevention, surveillance and containment recommendations. Find it here.
June 18, 2024
Milk sampling and testing results
As of June 18, 2024, CFIA laboratories tested 600 retail milk samples from across Canada. All samples have tested negative for HPAI fragments, with no evidence of disease in dairy cattle detected in milk. More.
June 17, 2024
Information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA):
The Guidance for private veterinarians for HPAI in cattle has been updated to include:
May 31, 2024 update
Information from the Public Health Agency of Canada:
New web content to provide information and resources in response to the rapidly evolving Avian Influenza A(H5N1) situation in Canada is now available.
No cases in humans or dairy cattle have been detected in Canada and the risk to humans remains low.
The Government of Canada is working closely with provinces/territories, industry and international partners to actively monitor, prepare for and respond to the evolving A(H5N1) situation using a One Health approach.
The ongoing federal response to protect the health of people and animals in Canada includes:
Learn more about Canada’s preparedness and response: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1/canada-response.html
May 24, 2024
Notice to industry: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) in dairy herds in the USA - Export certificate for immediate slaughter
Due to the outbreak of HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the USA, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will require an export certificate for lactating dairy cattle imported from the USA for immediate slaughter. This will apply as of May 24, 2024. Read more.
Milk sampling and testing results
CFIA laboratories tested 303 retail milk samples from across Canada. All samples have tested negative for HPAI fragments, with no evidence of disease in dairy cattle detected in milk.
More.
May 23, 2024
CFIA laboratories tested 303 retail milk samples from across Canada. All samples have tested negative for HPAI fragments, with no evidence of disease in dairy cattle detected in milk.
Mental Health supports for veterinarians
This may be a time of increased stress and anxiety for veterinarians as they discuss and prepare for HPAI with their clients.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's incoming Director of Wellness, Dr. Kathy Keil, has offered the following resources for those who feel that they may be beneficial to them:
The CVMA website outlines supports available to Canadian veterinarians:
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/veterinary-resources/veterinary-health-and-wellness-resources/mental-health-awareness-resources/who-ya-gonna-call/
CVMA also offers an anonymous and confidential peer-to-peer online community for all Canadian veterinarians and student veterinarians through Togetherall. ABVTA now offers this online service for AB RVTs too. This community is an opportunity for veterinarians to reach out to their peers to share a situation or an issue where they need a peer to listen, offer support and guidance. The community has 24/7/365 oversight with a licensed mental health professional for additional safety.
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/veterinary-resources/veterinary-health-and-wellness-resources/togetherall/
May 15, 2024 update
The Guidance for private veterinarians for HPAI in cattle has been updated to include information on sampling non-clinical animals.
CFIA laboratories tested 142 retail milk samples from across Canada. To date, all samples have tested negative for HPAI fragments, with no evidence of disease in dairy cattle detected in milk.
May 9, 2024 update
On May 9, 2024, the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) division held a virtual webinar for veterinarians and veterinary professionals on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. With 285 people in attendance, it allowed for an update on the current situation, discussion on the national collaborative approach among federal/provincial governments and industry, an update on the CFIA guidance document for the private practitioner, and recommendations on how to support producer clients. CAHSS and AHC would like to thank the speakers of the event for taking the time to provide their expertise.
The webinar recording is available on the CAHSS YouTube channel.
May 3, 2024 update
The Government of Canada provides an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
In addition to the robust protective measures that already exist, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with stakeholders, is expanding its surveillance to manage the possible emergence of HPAI in Canada by:
Read the full statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada here: https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2024/05/the-government-of-canada-provides-an-update-on-the-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza.html
May 1, 2024 update
Due to the outbreak of HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the USA, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will require an addendum to the export certificate of cattle imported under the import policy Requirements for Breeding Cattle Imported from the United States to Canada.
This will apply to export certificates issued on or after April 29, 2024, and until further notice.
April 25, 2024 update
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Federal Order requiring pre-movement testing and reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in livestock.
You can find the Federal Order here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dairy-federal-order.pdf
and additional information on the situation in the United States here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock
April 19, 2024 update
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released a guidance document for Canadian veterinarians to consider related to Highly pathogenic avian influenza – HPAI (H5N1) in cattle, specifically related to collecting and submitting samples. This guidance will be updated regularly as the situation evolves, so ensure to check back on the CFIA web page frequently for the most current recommendations.
As of April 19, 2024, HPAI has not been reported in dairy cattle or other livestock in Canada. The CFIA is monitoring the situation closely. For more information, refer to their website on Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock.
Veterinarians should be on the look out for the following:
Veterinarians must contact their local CFIA district office and, where required, the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer if they suspect HPAI infection in cattle.
April 5, 2024 update
Our Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) division is updating its Dairy Surveillance Network page regularly to include the latest information and resources on H5N1 HPAI avian influenza. View here: https://cahss.ca/cahss-networks/dairy
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