Migratory Birds Spark Alarming Bird Flu Resurgence Across Canada
Canada is experiencing a significant surge in bird flu cases as wild bird populations undertake their annual southern migration, creating dangerous interactions with domestic poultry operations and backyard flocks. The situation has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, raising concerns among health officials and agricultural experts.
According to the latest data, bird flu has been confirmed in 67 flocks nationwide within the past 30 days, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3.72 million birds across both commercial and backyard operations. This represents a stark increase from August, when only 60,000 birds were affected based on USDA statistics.
Weakened Monitoring Systems Raise Concerns
The current outbreak occurs amid growing concerns about reduced capacity to monitor and respond to the virus effectively. Staffing reductions at federal laboratories and changes to communication protocols have limited information sharing between government scientists and external researchers.
Wendy Puryear, a virologist at Tufts University, expressed serious concerns about the current monitoring infrastructure. "Much of that infrastructure has been either completely closed down or significantly hampered," Puryear stated, adding, "We're not in a great position for monitoring things. I've been deep in the weeds since it arrived here in the U.S., and I'm finding myself in a very uncomfortable place."
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the CDC deactivated its H5N1 emergency bird flu response on July 2, 2025, now treating it as a regular program under the Influenza Division.
Human Health Risks and Detection Challenges
While the USDA continues tracking the virus in poultry, livestock, and wild birds, health experts worry that spillover events to humans working with these animals may be going undetected. This is particularly concerning for immigrant workers who may hesitate to report exposures due to fear of repercussions.
Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted this challenge: "I can't argue with anyone who would be risking getting shipped to a Salvadoran gulag for reporting an exposure or seeking testing."
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open identified at least 18 cases of asymptomatic H5N1 infections worldwide through August 25, 2025, underscoring the potential for undetected transmission.
Despite these concerns, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases maintains that the overall risk to the general public remains low. Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr. emphasized that while most people face minimal risk, those with direct exposure to poultry, dairy cows, or wild birds should take precautions.
Health authorities recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, using personal protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals, and consulting healthcare professionals if symptoms develop after exposure. As migration patterns continue to bring wild birds into contact with domestic flocks, vigilance remains crucial for containing the outbreak.
