The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has also been testing milk for signs of H5N1 in dairy cows. Canada has had no cases of H5N1 reported in dairy cattle. There's also no evidence of bird flu in samples of commercial milk. "Milk and milk products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume," the Public Health Agency of Canada said.

Based on current evidence, the risk of avian influenza infection for the public remains low. The risk of bird flu infection is higher for those who have unprotected exposure to infected animals, PHAC said.

The presentation, so brief as to be little more than a public service announcement, signals an abandonment of efforts to prevent the emergence of a wider avian flu pandemic.