Canada confronts new HPAI outbreaks

WOAH has confirmed three highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial poultry in Alberta, Canada, in May 2026, affecting turkeys, chickens and ducks. As of the latest official CFIA update reviewed, no additional commercial poultry detections had been reported.

Recent HPAI outbreaks in Alberta

• Strathcona County (May 11, 2026):
  • Species: commercial meat turkeys
  • Flock size: 31,098 birds
  • Impact: entire flock affected and culled to prevent spread
• Special Area No. 4 (May 11, 2026):
  • Species: commercial egg-laying chickens
  • Flock size: 8,848 birds
  • Impact: production halted, birds culled
• Starland County (May 16, 2026):
  • Species: mixed flock of meat ducks and table egg layers
  • Flock size: 657 birds
  • Impact: smaller outbreak but significant due to mixed species

National context

• Last outbreak outside Alberta: April 17, 2026, in Buffalo, Saskatchewan.
  • Species: mixed flock of turkeys and laying hens
  • Flock size: ~28,000 birds
• Current status:
  • No new commercial or backyard poultry cases reported in Canada since the Starland County incident.
  • Canada’s poultry sector remains under heightened surveillance, with strict biosecurity measures in place.

WOAH Recommendations

• Surveillance: maintain active monitoring of both poultry and wild bird populations.
• Biosecurity: reinforce farm-level measures to prevent virus introduction.
• Reporting: ensure timely notification of outbreaks to WOAH and CFIA.
• One Health approach: protect humans in close contact with infected flocks, while avoiding unnecessary trade restrictions.

Implications for Canada’s poultry industry

• Economic impact:
  • Loss of tens of thousands of birds in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
  • Disruption of turkey and egg production in affected regions.
• Trade considerations:
  • Canada must balance disease control with maintaining export credibility.
  • WOAH advises against unjustified trade bans, emphasizing science-based decisions.

• Public health:
  • No human cases linked to these outbreaks.
  • Risk to the general public remains low, but occupational exposure requires caution.

Conclusion

The May 2026 HPAI outbreaks in Alberta highlight the ongoing vulnerability of poultry operations to avian influenza. While Canada has contained the spread, vigilance remains essential. WOAH’s detailed reporting underscores the importance of biosecurity, surveillance, and transparent communication to safeguard both animal health and food security.