Key Takeaways:
- In Saskatchewan, two highly pathogenic avian influenzas (HPAI) cases have been confirmed.
- According to the CFIA, an inquiry has begun, and movement control measures will be established on other farms in the area.
- According to the province, Biosecurity is the best tool for poultry breeders and small flock owners to protect their animals from bird flu.
Two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in Saskatchewan poultry farms.
HPAI has recently been verified in a Saskatchewan backyard flock and a commercial chicken flock, as per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
According to the agency, the impacted small flock was discovered on Thursday in Moose Mountain No. 63, and the infected poultry flock was discovered on Saturday in the rural municipality of Loreburn, Sask.
Quarantine has been imposed on all of the afflicted locations. According to the CFIA, an investigation has commenced, and movement control measures will be implemented on other farms in the region.
Also read: The first pandemic Easter is celebrated without limitations in a Saskatoon church
The Saskatchewan government says it will continue to lead the disease response against avian flu by collaborating with the poultry sector and the CFIA.
“This virus has been spreading in Canada for the previous month in multiple provinces,” stated Saskatchewan’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Stephanie Smith. “We’ve been lucky that we’ve only had two detections so far… However, we remain on high alert for any future issues.”
Smith issued an animal health control area order until May 14 to prevent poultry from being mixed. The order forbids the movement of birds to participate in shows, auctions, agricultural fairs, and any other events where birds from several regions would be brought together.
Smith said the administration would watch the issue to see if the injunction should be extended.
“We’re going to look at data from disease surveillance and cases from throughout the province to see if we’re still at high risk for a virus or if we can cancel the order,” Smith explained. “As we move forward here in the next months, we’ll examine if we need to grow.”
According to the province, biosecurity is the finest instrument for poultry farmers and small flock owners to safeguard their animals from bird flu. Keeping wild birds away from chicken flocks and their food and water, limiting visitation, monitoring bird health, and wearing barn-specific apparel and footwear when entering barns are part of biosecurity standards. If at all feasible, small flock owners should keep their birds indoors during wild bird migration.
According to the authorities, there is no concern about food safety, and the risk of avian influenza transmission to people is negligible. According to the experts, people dealing with poultry suspected of being infected with avian influenza should wear protective clothing.
Various cases of the H5N1 type of avian flu have been reported across Canada.
The government advises producers to contact their veterinarian right away if they have any concerns regarding the health of their flocks. Producers should also inform their local CFIA office if they detect avian interference.
If the public notices sick or dead birds, they should call the Ministry of Environment or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.
Source: Global News
