H5 avian influenza detected in Middlesex Centre, Ont.

Canada nearly went a month without any instances of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry flocks, but that HPAI-free streak ended on the final day of February.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that on February 28, the presence of HPAI was confirmed in a commercial poultry flock in Middlesex Centre, Ontario. CFIA did not include information in its report regarding the flock size or how many birds were involved.

Prior to this, the last time a commercial poultry flock was affected by HPAI was January 30, in Matawinie Regional County Municipality. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) identified that case as a mixed flock of meat turkeys and broilers, involving 27,900 birds.

Between the two most recent commercial flock cases were two positive detections in non-commercial flocks – one of which was in Ontario and the other in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, according to WOAH rules, instances of avian influenza in non-commercial flocks should not have an impact on international trade.

So far in 2025, Canada has had nine commercial flocks struck by HPAI.

According to the WOAH, the only provinces currently under HPAI restrictions are British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) confirmed the presence of the disease and is urging all poultry farmers in the region to take immediate action to protect their flocks. The CFIA is in the process of establishing a Primary Control Zone (PCZ) around the affected area to contain the outbreak. Farmers can refer to CFIA’s online maps for up-to-date information on control zones.

In the meantime, poultry farmers are advised to enhance their biosecurity protocols by restricting the movement of birds, people, and equipment on and off their farms. Biosecurity guidelines are available on the FBCC website.

CFIA has also issued movement control permissions, and farmers may need to apply for permits in advance for any planned transport of birds or related materials. Applications should be submitted five to seven days prior to movement. Further inquiries regarding movement permissions can be directed to CFIA at cfia.ontmovementlicandpermits-deplacementlicenceetpermis.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

Small flock owners can find additional guidance and resources through Small Flock Ontario.

Farmers who observe any signs of illness in their birds should contact their veterinarian immediately and notify their respective industry board.

For more information and updates, visit the Feather Board Command Centre’s website at www.fbcc.ca or contact the FBCC at fbccincidentcommand@fbcc.ca or 289-230-6012.