The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) in Ontario, Canada has issued an Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) biosecurity advisory for the province on Monday.

The Ontario Animal Health Network shared an advisory informing of the detection of aMPV subtype B in two turkey flocks in the province on April 26.

Avian metapneumovirus is a highly contagious disease. It is commonly known as Turkey Viral Rhinotracheitis in turkeys and Swollen Head Syndrome in chickens. The clinical signs of metapneumovirus are primarily in the respiratory tract and mortality may be severe, thus causing confusion with other diseases such as Avian Influenza. The disease is spread through direct contact with affected poultry, introduced by wild birds or by introduction of infected materials or equipment. The syndrome is described further in the Ontario Animal Health Network advisory.

Farmers in the province are advised to contact their local veterinarian should they see signs of health concerns in their flocks.