Summary

SAI Canada reviewed measures to protect wildlife, domestic animals and people from avian influenza. The auditors audited the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The auditors noted that after the outbreak of avian influenza in December 2021, the Ministry increased its monitoring of migratory birds by reallocating its existing funding. It increased the number of samples tested and incorporated antibody testing of blood and egg samples from wild birds. According to the SAI, by March 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada had purchased a total of 870,000 doses of the avian influenza vaccine for individuals at risk of infection (farmers and veterinarians), but by February 2026, when the vaccines expired, more than 95% of the doses had not been used. SAI recommended that the Ministry improve its surveillance methods for detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza to understand which species at risk are most vulnerable and susceptible to the impacts of the virus, and to inform the management and conservation of these species. Also SAI recommended that the Agency obtain financial approval to purchase more avian influenza vaccine doses if needed, and support further procurement decisions based on updated risk assessments, a cost-benefit analysis, and an assessment of demand forecasting for the number of doses that may be needed.