The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has confirmed that “a dangerous place has been identified in the Kouichan Valley” with regard to avian influenza (bird flu).
According to the Salt Spring Bird Club, a member was informed by the ministry that their birds in Mill Bay were within 12 kilometers of a backyard flock that had the virus, and they were advised to take extra precautions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is the lead agency in the case, but said the only confirmed case so far is in Okanagan and the CFIA has not released information on suspected cases until confirmed.
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On April 20, in response to a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza on a farm in Okanagan, Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Pofam said that “enhanced measures are being taken to prevent and prepare to protect flocks of poultry in British Columbia.”
“All poultry farmers, including backyard poultry owners, are advised to increase their biosecurity practices and be vigilant and watch for signs of avian influenza in their flocks,” Popham said in a statement. “To further protect farmers and prevent the spread of avian influenza in British Columbia, the Deputy Chief Veterinarian has issued an order requiring all commercial poultry flocks in the province with more than 100 birds to be relocated indoors by the end of spring migration. In May.
Acknowledging the potential case of Cowichan Valley, ministry officials noted that it has not yet been published in the growing list of CFIA investigations.
Signs of avian influenza include, but are not limited to, decreased egg production, respiratory disease, diarrhea, decreased food or water intake, and death.
Those who suspect that their birds have avian influenza should contact a veterinarian or the nearest CFIA animal health office.
READ MORE: The food industry is adapting to the big outbreak of bird flu in Canada, around the world
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Kouichan Valley Agriculture
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