Eighth Poultry Farm in British Columbia Confirmed with Avian Flu

CANADA - Two further farms in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia have confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza - bringing the total to eight - and the disease is suspected at a further premises.
calendar icon 11 December 2014
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation into an outbreak of avian influenza in British Columbia's Fraser Valley. As part of this investigation, two additional farms have been identified as having avian influenza.

The province of British Columbia has confirmed the presence of avian influenza on these farms. This identification of additional farms is not unexpected as avian influenza is highly contagious between birds and can spread rapidly.

Both of these farms are close to one of the initial farms identified as part this outbreak.

The fact that these farms were identified quickly underscores industry's commitment to supporting the response effort by immediately reporting any signs of illness.

In addition, another barn located on one of the previously-identified infected sites has been confirmed to have avian influenza. As this barn is legally considered a separate business entity, it is being treated as a new infected premises, bringing the total to eight.

The province of British Columbia has also notified the CFIA of another farm where avian influenza is suspected. If confirmed, this would be the ninth infected premises. Testing is underway, and results are expected within the next day.

As part of regular investigation activities, the Agency is fully tracing movements in and out of these sites. This may lead to further premises being identified and depopulated, which would not be unexpected.

Birds have been humanely euthanized on four farms, and depopulation activities have begun on the fifth farm. The remaining farms will be depopulated in the coming days.

The CFIA continues to urge poultry farmers to take an active role in protecting their flocks by employing strict biosecurity measures on their property, and to immediately report any suspicious symptoms to the CFIA.

Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked.

The CFIA has mobilized all available resources to manage this situation. The Agency continues to work closely with the Province of British Columbia, the owners of the infected birds, and the poultry industry to manage this outbreak.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.

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