Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Canada

Current H5N1 Situation (May 2, 2024)

Increasingly alarming information has been reported from the United States about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1). Just in the past few weeks alone, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have reported multi-state outbreaks in dairy cattle. The USDA genome study concluded that asymptomatic cattle is likely driving transmission across the US.

So far in Canada, limited surveillance has been conducted in Canadian cattle. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) leads the HPAI response in Canada. As of April 29th, CFIA implemented the requirement of HPAI testing in imported American cattle – a promising start, but the lack of active surveillance amongst Canadian cattle is highly concerning.

There are currently active flocks of poultry across Canada that are being actively monitored for H5N1. The unrestricted movement of cattle across Canada in conjunction with exposure of cattle to both potentially contaminated flocks and wild birds, could significantly heighten the risk of spreading H5N1 within the national herd.

This situation necessitates immediate attention on HPAI disease surveillance in Canada. Canada needs to implement more rigorous biosecurity measures and increase surveillance on all livestock, not just poultry, in order to mitigate the risk of a broader outbreak. These actions are crucial to protect Canadians from H5N1, align with international best practices, and safeguard Canada’s agricultural sector from potential widespread impacts.

Higher than Reported Potential H5N1 Risk to Humans

“Every dairy that I’ve worked with has – with the exception of one – had sick human beings at the same time they had sick cows”, by livestock veterinarian Dr.Barb Petersen
https://www.bovinevetonline.com/news/industry/message-ag-industry-about-h5n1

Increasing reports from field professionals suggest that a milder form of H5N1 infection could be affecting humans. Given the well-publicized data indicating a 50% mortality rate for severe cases, these milder variants might be underreported, as their symptoms could mimic those of more common influenza strains.

Open Data Sources for DIY H5N1 Surveillance

As an epidemiologist, I am naturally inclined to participate in some form of data monitoring. This is a project I am looking to undertake, which would involve integrating data from influenza A testing results and wastewater analytics.

Unfortunately, these data sources can be fragmented and isolated within their respective systems, making it challenging for researchers outside government or without institutional affiliations to access and compile this information efficiently. I will continue updating my blog for any progress I make (if I make them) in compiling the datasources.