The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food continues to work closely with the CFIA and BC poultry producers to ensure that enhanced prevention and preparedness measures are in place to protect poultry flocks in BC.
The contaminated facilities have been quarantined by the CFIA and the ministry has informed producers within a 12-kilometer radius of the positive test results.
Owners of small herds or herds in the backyard are encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Measures include eliminating or reducing opportunities for poultry to encounter wild birds, reducing human access to the herd and increasing cleaning, disinfection and disinfection of all items (including clothing and footwear) when entering in areas where swarms are housed.
In addition, seven wild birds that died between April 20 and 27 were also positive for H5 strains of avian influenza. The seven include three geese and a Canadian goose in the Vanderhoof area and individual bald eagles from Lac la Hache (near the 100 Mile House), Bowen Island and Vancouver. These cases follow a similar finding in a bald eagle in the Delta this month and one in Vancouver in February.
These findings were reported through the BC Wildlife Mortality Surveillance Program, which collects samples from sick and dead birds, as well as sediment samples from wetlands where birds congregate. Surveillance is a collaboration between federal and county agencies and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
Avian influenza is a federally regulated disease. The CFIA leads research and response with provincial support for testing, mapping, surveillance and disposal.
Learn more:
Information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on avian influenza, including what to look out for, resources for small flock owners, deputy veterinarian orders and test information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ Industry / Agriculture-Seafood / Animals-and-Crops / Animals-Health / Reported-Notifiable-Diseases / Avian Influenza
CFIA information on the current avian influenza situation in Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/response-to-detections-of-highly- pathogenic-avian – / eng / 1640207916497/1640207916934
CFIA Avian Influenza Newsletter: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/eng/1323990856863/1323991018946
For more information:
The following contact information can be found on the ministry’s website, but is available here for quick access:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of PK provides diagnostic services for commercial and small poultry. Call 1 800 661-9903 to report unexplained disease or poultry mortality.
Owners of small and backyard herds with general questions should call the Small and Lower Yard License Line 1 604 855-8255.
The hotline of the Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Program, 1 866 431-2473, receives public reports of dead wild birds.
