Animals and Infectious Diseases

Avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responding to cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in farmed birds, backyard poultry flocks and wild birds in Canada. If you have farm animals or backyard poultry flocks, practice infection prevention and control and biosecurity habits.

Animal diseases play an important role in public health. Animals (e.g. pets, wildlife) are capable of transmitting diseases to humans. This web page contains useful information for the public, operators of petting zoos and animal exhibits, as well as veterinarians on diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

To protect people from animal diseases and injuries:

  • Stay away from all wild animals, whether they appear tame, injured, or sick; this includes not feeding wild animals on public or private property.
  • Remember that every animal, even a pet, is capable of unpredictable behaviour.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after any unavoidable contact with an animal, or their habitat, feces, etc. Hand sanitizer can be used instead of soap and water if hands are not visibly dirty.

Rabies Prevention and Control

Information on rabies in animals, rabies prevention and what to do if bitten or scratched by an animal.

Petting Zoos & Other Animal Exhibits

Operating safe petting zoos / animal exhibits and infection prevention and control, including tips for attending petting zoos and animal attractions.

Backyard Poultry

Information on the health risks common with backyard poultry and how to prevent illness.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Information on the health-risks common with pet reptiles and amphibians, and how to prevent illness.

Information for Veterinarians

Rabies prevention and control information, zoonotic diseases in animals, and reporting requirements for veterinarians relating to potential rabies exposures and zoonotic diseases.

Adopting & Importing Pets From Overseas

Information for prospective animal owners and organizations when adopting and importing pets from overseas to ensure protection against diseases such as rabies.

Other Diseases Transmissible from Animals to Humans

Information on other diseases transmissible from animals to people, and how to prevent illness.