Biosafety Directive for New and Emerging Influenza A Viruses

"In Canada, facilities that handle or store Risk Group 2 (RG2), RG3, and RG4 human pathogens or toxins are regulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (HPTR). The importation of animal pathogens, infected animals, animal products or by-products (e.g., tissue, serum), or other substances that may carry an animal pathogen or a part of one (e.g., toxin) are regulated by the PHAC or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Health of Animals Act (HAA) and Health of Animals Regulations (HAR). In Canada, facilities that handle or store Risk Group 2 (RG2), RG3, and RG4 human pathogens or toxins are regulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (HPTR). The importation of animal pathogens, infected animals, animal products or by-products (e.g., tissue, serum), or other substances that may carry an animal pathogen or a part of one (e.g., toxin) are regulated by the PHAC or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Health of Animals Act (HAA) and Health of Animals Regulations (HAR).

An Influenza A virus that is a new or emerging pathogen is often classified as an RG3 human pathogen by the PHAC and RG3 animal pathogen by the CFIA. This Biosafety Directive has been developed by the PHAC and the CFIA to assist facilities in determining the appropriate containment level and additional biosafety requirements for the safe handling of samples that are suspected of or confirmed to contain a new or emerging strain of influenza A virus. Facilities such as diagnostic and research laboratories may use this Directive to implement the appropriate physical requirements and operational practices when handling samples containing new or emerging subtypes or strains of influenza A virus. General information on influenza A virus, including circulating strains of influenza virus (i.e., not new or emerging), is also included. The Biosafety Directive for New and Emerging Influenza A Viruses is to be used in conjunction with the Canadian Biosafety Standard (CBS)."