While HPAI primarily affects birds, rare human infections have occurred through close contact with infected animals. The risk to the public remains low. However, individuals who visited the petting farm between October 6 - 12, 2025, are asked to consider the following recommendations:

Individuals with Symptoms

If you have experienced fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms and visited the farm between October 6 - 12, 2025, it is recommended you isolate at home, and call Health Link at 811 for assessment and testing. When calling 811 select Option “2” and then Option “1”.

Individuals without Symptoms

If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to call 811. Continue to monitor your health. If you visited Butterfield Acres between October 6 - 12, 2025 and develop symptoms within 10 days of visiting, it is recommended you isolate at home and call Health Link at 811 for assessment and potential referral for testing.

Testing

If you are symptomatic and developed symptoms within 10 days of visiting the farm, testing may be recommended. 811 can connect you with a physician who can arrange testing or treatment if appropriate.

Contact your Public Health Inspector

• Make a Complaint, Request a Service or Ask a Question
• Contact a live operator Monday to Friday
  • Call 1-833-476-4743

Please note, we are currently experiencing high request volumes.

Resources

• Government of Canada Avian Influenza
• More information about Avian Influenza - MyHealth.Alberta.ca
• Mental Health Support

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a virus that easily spreads from bird to bird. It makes birds sick and can cause them to die. While it mostly affects birds like chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and swans, it can affect other animals too.

While rare, avian influenza can also infect people. If you get exposed to a sick bird or animal, you can get sick, too. You can get sick if you touch sick birds or animals, then touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or face.

The symptoms are similar to the regular (human) flu.

What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?

Symptoms can range from very mild to severe, depending on the specific virus. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle and/or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Less commonly, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures can occur. Diarrhea is more common with avian influenza than with seasonal influenza.

I’m starting to feel symptoms after visiting the petting farm. What should I do?

If you have experienced fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms and visited the farm between October 6-12, 2025, it is recommended you isolate at home, and call Health Link at 811 for assessment and testing.

Am I still at risk if I’m not experiencing symptoms after visiting the petting farm?

Individuals without symptoms should continue to monitor their health. You do not need to call Health Link if you are not experiencing symptoms. If symptoms develop within 10 days of exposure, it is recommended to isolate at home and call Health Link at 811 for assessment and potential referral for testing.

Is the petting farm still open?

The facility was voluntarily closed from October 13 - 17, 2025. AHS became aware of the situation late on October 16. On October 17, AHS issued a formal closure order for the facility. The facility will remain closed until the conditions of the order are met, and until public health inspectors and medical officers of health have deemed it safe to reopen.

What are preventative measures I can take to avoid getting sick with influenza or the avian flu?

• The risk of human infection with avian flu is considered to be very unlikely for the general public, and unlikely for those with occupational exposures (e.g. those working in the poultry industry).
• The annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce the risk of serious complications. The annual flu shot may also offer partial cross-protection against avian flu.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay home when you are sick. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects like doorknobs, light switches and phones.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick to help reduce your risk of exposure.

What is the treatment for avian influenza?

People who have had exposure to infected animals in the past 10 days and are symptomatic can be assessed for the need to be tested and treated. For more information, please call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811.

Can I get avian influenza by eating contaminated food?

To date, there has been no evidence that the avian influenza virus is transmitted to humans through contaminated food. Viruses are easily killed by heat, so make sure poultry products are always thoroughly cooked, with clear juices and no visible pinkness.

• Follow safe food-handling practices such as handwashing, cooking to the right temperature, and keeping poultry and egg products separate from other food products to avoid cross-contamination can protect you from other foodborne illnesses.
• Thaw frozen poultry in a refrigerator or in a cold-water bath changing water every 30 minutes.
• Thoroughly clean contaminated tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food and after handling raw meat, poultry, or eggs.
• Cook pieces and cuts of game meat and poultry to an internal temperature of 74ºC (165ºF).
• Whole birds should be cooked to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
• Do not feed uncooked or undercooked poultry or game bird meat to cats or dogs.

What is the period of concern for individuals visiting the Butterfield Acres Petting Zoo?

Individuals who went to Butterfield Acres from October 6 - 12, 2025 may have been exposed to avian flu.

I have been told by Health Link or a physician to get tested. What do I do?

Health Link or your physician will provide details regarding testing. In general, testing involves a nasopharyngeal swab, a throat swab, and possibly a conjunctival (eye) swab.

How can I get my influenza vaccine?

More information on the influenza vaccine in Alberta.

Resources

• Calgary Zone Medical Officers of Health
• Lab Requisition
• Outbreak Management