With the number of global bird flu cases rising, Canada has purchased 500,000 bird flu vaccines to protect those most at risk.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says it has secured an initial supply of 500,000 doses of a human vaccine against avian influenza as a “proactive measure.” The vaccines will be part of Canada’s contingency planning to protect people who may be at increased risk of exposure through animals infected with bird flu.

PHAC stresses the current risk to the public remains low. Canada’s first reported case of avian influenza A (H5N1) was in November of last year, but there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread of the virus in any of the cases identified globally.

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The majority of the vaccines (60%) will be given to provinces and territories “based on an equitable and risk-based approach,” according to a news release. The remaining 40% will be kept in a federal stockpile. It will be up to the provinces and territories to decide the use and administration of the vaccine.

“Our priority remains protecting the health of people in Canada,” Health Minister Mark Holland said.

The vaccine announcement comes as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) offered guidance on vaccine use against bird flu in a non-pandemic context.

PHAC says it will continue to work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, public health authorities across the country, animal health leaders and experts, industry groups, and international organizations to be better prepared to manage the global risks of bird flu.