Canada has reported H5N1 bird flu in wildlife and domestic birds. This year, there have been at least 24 reports of the virus in domestic bird facilities, including at least 10 infected premises in BC in October, according to data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Based on current evidence, the risk of avian influenza infection for the public remains low. The risk of bird flu infection is higher for those who have unprotected exposure to infected animals, PHAC said.

The West Coast Canadian province of British Columbia said on Saturday that it had detected the first presumptive positive case of H5 bird flu virus infection acquired by a human in Canada. The individual presumed to be infected is a teenager who is receiving care at a children's hospital,