The Manitoba government is investigating a suspected case of avian influenza in wild birds in the province.
In a statement sent Thursday afternoon, the province said samples from several birds in southwestern Manitoba near Vascada, along with a sample near the Dauphin region, were being tested for H5N1, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that was found in other provinces, North Dakota and Minnesota. The province added that the update will be provided in the coming days after the test results are published.
“The risk of avian influenza to human health is low. There are no known cases of transmission of this strain of the bird virus to humans in North America, “the province said in a statement, adding that it also posed no risk to food safety.
Owners of small poultry flocks and owners of commercial poultry flocks are advised to take precautions. Manitoba Agriculture says small herd owners are encouraged to keep their birds indoors, if possible, during the current migration of wild birds.
“Small flocks are considered to be at high risk of infection with HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza), as they often have access to open-air or free-range pens. This means that there is a high probability of contact with wild birds that can be infected with the HPAI virus, “said in a statement the province.
Commercial farmers are told to monitor the information provided through their sectoral organizations and the Office of the Chief Veterinarian.
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