Avian Flu Spreading Across Canada

Avian Flu Spreading Across Canada

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

On Feb. 1, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, (CFIA) confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, (AI) subtype H5N1, in the country.

CFIA reported that between April 6 and April 20 there were outbreaks in 15 counties in Alberta. “Each infected premises has been placed under quarantine. CFIA has begun an investigation and will be establishing movement control measures on other farms within that area.”

As of April 21, CFIA had no reports of avian flu in the County of Two Hills, County of Minburn, Lamont County, Beaver County or Smoky Lake County.

“AI is spreading in wild bird populations across the globe and presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada.” Closer to home, a warning was issued on social media from a St. Michael area resident. A short video depicting one deceased bird on a road and another one in a field a short distance away with what they believe to be symptoms of the bird flu was taken by Tyler Bilawchuk on April 21.

Dead snow goose in the St. Michael area on Range Road 181 north of Township Road 563 on April 22.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Bilawchuk confirmed that Lamont County Community Peace Officer collected the two deceased birds on April 22. Lamont County Communications Officer Jay Zaal said there had only been a few calls to Agricultural Services, and Community Peace Officer. He said most calls are made directly to Fish and Wildlife.

“We are monitoring the Avian Influenza since there are currently a significant number of cases across the province. Please let us know with photos, if you suspect avian flu, and if your domestic birds may be exposed, contact a veterinarian for assessment as soon as possible.

Alberta Environment and Parks is monitoring and keeping information flowing to the municipalities to limit spread risk to domestic birds and to identify cases.

If you do have any contact with birds that may have avian flu, it is imperative you stay out of any chicken barns and other domestic operations to limit the spread. Avian flu is highly contagious,” said Zaal.

According to a CFIA news release, “Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of influenza viruses. They are not normally affected by the disease, but can still transmit it to domestic birds.

Snow goose flying in the St. Michael area on April 22.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

This serves as a strong reminder that avian influenza, (bird flu) is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with farm animals must practice good biosecurity habits to protect poultry and prevent disease.

If you suspect your birds have avian influenza, contact a veterinarian to determine if further action is needed, or your nearest CFIA Animal Health office. Anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird is encouraged to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).”

The disease can spread to birds through contact with infected poultry and poultry products. It can also spread through contaminated manure, litter, clothing, footwear, vehicles, equipment, feed and water.” Farmers should take the following measures.

• Keep poultry away from areas frequented by wild birds.

• Maintains strict control over access to poultry houses.

• Make sure that equipment is cleaned and disinfected before taking it into poultry houses.

• Do not keep bird feeders or create duck ponds close to poultry barns because they attract wild birds.

• Maintain high sanitation standards.

It was noted that, “There is no treatment for birds that have the disease. Vaccinating the birds may play a role in reducing the spread of the disease but does not eliminate the virus.”