Approximately 100,000 commercial birds have been euthanized in Sask. due to bird flu

Tens of thousands of birds in Saskatchewan have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), despite only a few outbreaks in commercial poultry farms.

More than 100,000 commercial birds have been euthanized in Saskatchewan, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

“Once avian influenza is detected, the CFIA will make sure that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that avian influenza does not spread to more birds,” said Graham Snell, executive director of Chicken Farmers in Saskatchewan.

“It’s part of the manufacturer’s life and it’s about improving the industry.”

Eight individual cases of bird flu were detected in the province as of May 4, according to the CFIA. Five of them have been reported in commercial poultry flocks.

The agency has been monitoring an outbreak of HPAI in Canada since mid-April. Infections have been reported in nine provinces, affecting a total of 68 premises.

The federal government estimates that more than 1.7 million birds have been affected by the HPAI in Canada.

Under the Animal Health Act, the CFIA may order the destruction of birds affected by HPAI.

“All birds have been humanely destroyed using internationally recognized methods,” the CFIA said in a statement.

“Composting is a common disposal method (for carcasses)”

The response to the disease is different in certain situations, the CFIA said, but quarantine, sampling, investigation, destruction and compensation are usually included in the HPAI protocol.

The CFIA provides compensation when flocks that test positive for avian influenza are ordered to be euthanized. There is also poultry insurance, which covers some costs.

The main source of HPAI is wild birds, so the risk of spreading the disease will remain high for the rest of the spring migration season, according to the provincial ministry of agriculture.

In mid-April, the Saskatchewan government introduced an animal health control zone to limit the co-mixing of poultry. The order will be in force at least until May 14, 2022.

The 2022 AgriStability enrollment deadline has been extended to June 30 to help manage the impact of avian influenza.

The risk of human transmission is low and the province said there was no risk to food safety.

With files from Brendan Ellis.