The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is preparing a limited trial of bird flu vaccination in poultry as concerns continue over the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza across North America. The proposed trial would study how vaccines could help reduce outbreaks in commercial flocks while also examining possible effects on trade and disease monitoring.

Canada has faced repeated outbreaks of avian influenza in recent years, leading to the destruction of millions of birds and financial losses for poultry producers. The virus has also spread into wild birds and some mammals, increasing pressure on governments and the agriculture industry to consider new prevention measures.

Federal officials have stated the vaccine trial would be carefully controlled and relatively small in scale. The work is expected to focus on how vaccinated birds respond to the virus and whether infections can still be detected quickly through testing programs. Trade concerns remain a major issue because some countries restrict imports of poultry products from vaccinated flocks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency created a special task force earlier this year to study the possible use of vaccines against highly pathogenic avian influenza. The group is reviewing scientific, economic and international trade issues connected to a possible vaccination program in Canada.

The federal government has also taken other steps to prepare for bird flu risks. In 2025, Canada secured an initial supply of human bird flu vaccine doses intended for people at higher risk of exposure through infected animals. Public health officials have said the current risk to the general public remains low, although monitoring efforts continue.