The federal government has purchased half a million vaccines designed to prevent H5N1 avian influenza — also known as “bird flu” — in humans.

The aim of the injections, says Health Canada, is to cut any risk of transmission to humans, especially among farm workers, medical staff, and veterinarians. About 60 per cent of the purchased doses will be distributed to the provinces, while the remaining 200,000 will be held in reserve.