An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed at an unidentified farm in North Okanagan.
As a result, owners of all commercial poultry flocks in British Columbia with more than 100 birds have been ordered to relocate indoors until the end of the spring migration season in May.
The investigation into the bird flu outbreak on a farm in North Okanagan is being led by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in collaboration with the provincial Department of Agriculture.
“All poultry owners, including backyard poultry owners, are advised to increase their biosecurity practices and be vigilant and watch for signs of avian influenza in their flocks,” said Lana Pofam, the province’s agriculture minister. in a statement on Thursday.
“If avian influenza is suspected, poultry producers should contact their local veterinarian or the provincial animal health center immediately for advice and information,” Pofam said. “The risk to public health is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety.
Avian influenza can be transmitted from bird to bird through secretions and faces and indirectly through the movement of people, contaminated food, water and equipment.
Birds that are infected with avian influenza may show a lack of energy, movement and appetite; produce fewer eggs; there is swelling around the head; gasping for air or sneezing; show tremor and lack of coordination.
“Humans are rarely affected by avian influenza, except in a limited number of cases where individuals have been in close contact with infected birds,” the CFIA website said in a statement.
When avian influenza is detected, the federal agency usually quarantines the farm without poultry or poultry products allowed for relocation. The birds are destroyed by paying compensation to the operator and improved cleaning protocols are applied.
In some cases, in order to prevent the spread of transmission, poultry in commercial operations within one kilometer may also be destroyed to prevent transmission.
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