Avian influenza: How bird flu affects domestic and wild flocks, and why a One Health approach matters

The strain of H5N1 bird flu identified in Canada, the United States and Europe can cause severe disease and high mortality in domestic poultry. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A strain of avian flu virus is spreading in domestic poultry flocks in Canada, but is not a risk to humans at this point in time.

Avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious influenza type A virus that can infect and kill poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and wild birds (including migratory birds).