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Avian Influenza - Latest Information
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Latest Information - March 1, 2006
Consistent with its commitment to the protection of animal and public
health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented import
restrictions following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian
influenza on a turkey farm in France.
The importation of live birds and bird products from France has been
suspended, with the exception of commercially sterile processed products.
The CFIA
prohibits imports of poultry and poultry products from countries not recognized
as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the commercial poultry sector.
Commercially sterile processed products are permitted.
Canada does not permit the importation of pet birds from countries found
positive for the highly pathogenic, Asian strain of H5N1 influenza.
These actions are part of a broader strategy of vigilance to reduce the
potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza to enter Canada.
The CFIA has also
traced all recent shipments of birds and bird products imported from France. It
has been confirmed that there have been no recent imports to Canada from the
Department of Ain, France, where the H5N1 was detected on February 23, 2006,
nor any areas close to it.
Any hatching eggs or birds from France are required to undergo a 30-day
quarantine period in Canada to monitor for poultry diseases. This is a standard
practice for most animal imports that has been in place for decades. There are
eight farms in Quebec that have recently imported from France and these
quarantines are in place.
As an extra precaution, the CFIA is monitoring the health
status of these birds on a daily basis and they are being tested. Preliminary
results to date are all negative. There has been no indication of illness in
these birds to date.
The CFIA
continues to actively monitor and analyse the progression of avian influenza
occurrences at the international level and to take actions consistent with
recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
Latest Information - December 19, 2005
Further analysis has confirmed that the virus from the second infected
Fraser Valley farm was H5N2. This is the same low-pathogenic subtype identified
on the index farm and closely resembles viruses detected sporadically in North
American domestic birds in recent years.
Latest Information - December 10, 2005
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands today declared Fraser Valley
poultry farms in two surveillance zones to be free of avian influenza after
three rounds of weekly testing detected no further evidence of infection. The
surveillance zones and all related quarantines affecting 80 premises have been
removed.
-
The lifting of the quarantine means that the normal movement of
commercial poultry and poultry products on and off farms in the surveillance
zones can be resumed. The two premises on which virus was detected remain under
quarantine until the Agency verifies that cleaning and disinfection have been
completed.
Latest Information - November 29, 2005
-
Further analysis has confirmed that the virus from the first
infected farm is H5N2. This low-pathogenic subtype closely resembles viruses
detected sporadically in North American domestic birds since 2002.
-
N-typing of the virus from the other infected farm is ongoing.
Results are expected in a few days, but based on previously conducted molecular
analysis, it is likely that this subtype is also H5N2.
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Precautionary quarantines remain in place on 78 premises within
the surveillance zone and three other premises with known links to the first
infected farm. Testing of birds on these premises is ongoing and has detected
no additional evidence of avian influenza virus
-
The quarantines could be lifted as early as December 10,
provided that no further cases are found between now and then. The two infected
premises will remain under quarantine until they are effectively cleaned and
disinfected under CFIA supervision.
-
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on
November 28 that it has reduced the zone of restrictions on imports of B.C. live birds and poultry products from
mainland B.C. down to the surveillance
area.
Latest Information - November 25, 2005
-
It has been confirmed that the virus from the second infected
farm is a North American, low pathogenic H5 subtype. This is the same
virus found on the first farm.
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Both farms are now completely depopulated. The carcasses are
being composted onsite, and cleaning and disinfection activities will begin
soon.
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The surveillance zone, which includes all 78 farms within 5km of each of the two infected premises, is still in
effect. Conducting surveillance within 5km of infected premises is a
precaution, which is consistent with international animal disease control
guidelines.
-
All farms in the zone are being tested regularly. Only those
that are confirmed negative for avian influenza can move their birds and bird
products.
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The virus found on the two farms, being low pathogenic, does not
pose immediate threats to domestic birds. It is not the strain currently
present in Southeast Asia. And, based on surveillance to date, it remains
confined to two premises.
-
Nonetheless, we will maintain a close watch on the health of
birds in the zone. At the same time, we continue to call upon industry to
maintain the highest levels of biosecurity.
Latest Information - November 23, 2005
-
The humane depopulation of birds on the first infected farm is
now complete. Additional testing of these birds has confirmed that a
significant concentration of avian influenza virus was present on the farm.
-
On-site composting of the carcasses on this farm is under way.
This disposal method has been shown to effectively and quickly destroy the
avian influenza virus and it allows us to limit the movement of potentially
contaminated material.
-
The humane depopulation of the 2,800 birds on the second
premises is underway and should be completed by this evening. These birds, as
were most from the first premises, are being destroyed using the same processes
employed in commercial slaughter practices.
-
All premises within 5 km of the two farms have been or will be
placed under quarantine by this evening. Where testing detects no signs of
virus, birds can move through regular slaughter channels.
Latest Information - November 22, 2005
-
An avian influenza virus has now been confirmed on a second farm
in the Chilliwack area, but three other related farms all tested negative for
AI.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency had established a
surveillance area in a five kilometre radius around the farm where the virus
was first identified. The area will be expanded to account for the second
farm.
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All birds from the two farms are being humanely depopulated.
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This pre-emptive cull follows international guidelines and the
approach agreed to by governments and industry following the 2004 Abbotsford
outbreak.
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Testing of poultry within the surveillance area is ongoing. No
additional signs of avian influenza virus have been observed.
Latest Information - November 20, 2005
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) today announced that the avian influenza virus detected in a duck
from a farm in British Columbia has been confirmed as a low pathogenic H5 North
American strain. This virus is different than the H7N3 strain found during the
2004 Abbotsford outbreak.
-
The CFIA is implementing preventative and precautionary control
measures in response to this finding to limit and prevent the spread of the
virus to other commercial premises. Preparations are underway to depopulate all
birds on the index premises from which the duck originated. Surveillance is
being conducted to monitor the health of domestic birds in the immediate area.
Specifically, samples are being tested from a number of other premises that may
have been exposed to birds from the farm.
Latest Information - November 19, 2005
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The Government of Canada today
announced that the wild birds from Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia
tested as part of a national wild bird survey are free of the strain of highly
pathogenic avian influenza responsible for animal and human illness in
Southeast Asia.
-
Animal and human health specialists from the federal government
will examine subtypes from the four remaining provinces to rule out the Asian
H5N1 strain and determine pathogenicity. Results will be posted on the CFIA's Website.
Latest Information - November 18, 2005
-
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have quarantined a commercial farm
in British Columbia, where a duck has tested positive for an avian
influenza-type virus. It is important to note that this recent development does
not indicate a threat to human health.
-
The positive sample was confirmed today at the Provincial Animal
Health Centre lab in Abbotsford. The sample will now be sent to the National
Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) in Winnipeg for further testing to
fully characterize the virus and confirm its strain and pathogenicity. Testing
is being conducted on a priority basis, results will be communicated as soon as
they are available.
Latest Information - January 17, 2005
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The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Minister
Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today the
completion of the Agency’s review of its
management of the 2004 Avian Influenza outbreak in British Columbia.
-
The CFIA has identified a series of
commitments to respond to both its internal review findings, and those of the
joint industry/government forum held in October 2004.
-
As a key priority, the CFIA will be conducting a review of
the current maximum values for the replacement of all livestock ordered
destroyed as part of a disease investigation or outbreak response.
Latest Information - October 28, 2004
-
Representatives from federal, provincial and municipal
governments and the poultry industry concluded two days of meetings today with
a commitment to
strengthen future responses to animal disease outbreaks.
-
The parties recognized the need to collaboratively define roles
and responsibilities with all levels of government and industry stakeholders
during an emergency.
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The three co-chairs committed to produce a summary of the
proceedings by mid-November. In addition, all participants committed to
responding to all recommendations before Christmas.
Latest Information - August 18, 2004
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As of August 18, 2004, the
control area established in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley to contain
and eliminate avian influenza is eliminated. All domestic movement restrictions
placed on live birds, bird products and by-products have ceased.
-
While live birds and products such as eggs and meat are free to
move throughout British Columbia and Canada without restriction, existing
export conditions remain in effect until further notice from individual
importing countries.
-
Surveillance activities indicate that highly pathogenic avian
influenza has been eradicated from commercial and backyard flocks in the Fraser
Valley. However, because avian influenza virus can be carried by wild birds,
bird owners are urged to take appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent
future avian influenza outbreaks.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency compensates owners of
animals ordered destroyed during an animal disease response. The compensation
is intended to cover the replacement costs of destroyed animals.
-
Managing the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian
influenza in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley required the destruction of
approximately 17 million birds. Most birds ordered destroyed during the
response were sent through normal commercial channels and received market
value. The Agency is providing compensation to cover the replacement costs of
the remaining birds ordered destroyed for which market value could not be
recovered.
-
The Agency has received 1128 compensation claims. As of July 23,
2004, 973 compensation cheques have been issued, totalling approximately
$56M.
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency quarantined a farm in the Niagara
region on July 20, 2004, after 60 ducks were found dead on the premises. This
was a precautionary measure intended to limit movement on or off the farm until
testing could determine if the birds were affected by avian influenza. The
quarantine was lifted on July 21, 2004, after test results indicated that the
bird deaths were not related to avian influenza.
Latest Information - July 9, 2004
- All premises in the High-Risk Region are eligible to begin restocking as of
July 9. This date marks 21 days since the last infected premises was
satisfactorily cleaned and disinfected. Birds brought onto previously infected
premises must first be tested for avian influenza then tested weekly for four
weeks if it has been less than 60 days since the premises was satisfactorily
cleaned and disinfected.
Latest Information - June 21, 2004
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The avian influenza response operation in British Columbia has
entered the recovery phase. All premises in the High-Risk Region on which
highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected have been cleaned and
disinfected. This important process minimizes risks posed by avian influenza
virus that may remain in organic material such as manure, bedding, feed and
dust.
-
If no new cases of infection are detected, bird owners in the
High-Risk Region will be able to begin restocking their premises on July 9,
2004. This 21-day stay on introducing new birds reflects the standards of the
Office International des Epizooties, the World Organization for Animal Health.
Premises located beyond the High-Risk Region are not required to wait the
21-day period and are currently eligible for restocking under certain
restrictions.
-
Visit the following links for additional information about the
recovery
phase and cleaning and
disinfection.
Latest Information - June 11, 2004
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The initial phase of the avian influenza response, which focused
on containing the spread of the virus, has concluded. The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) depopulated all premises on
which highly pathogenic avian influenza was found and those in the surrounding
three kilometre areas.
-
The response is now entering the recovery phase. As an
additional precaution, movement controls on birds and bird products will remain
in effect, while some movement restrictions have been eased.
-
Within the Control Area, the City of Abbotsford has been
declared a High-Risk Region. The City of Abbotsford is bordered on the North by
the Fraser River, on the South by the (U.S.)
border, on the East at the Vedder Canal and to the West at 276 Street.
- The Control Area is bordered on the north shore by the North Shore Mountain
Range of the Fraser River, on the south by the United States border, on the
west by the Georgia Strait, and on the east by a line running north-south
through the Hunter Creek Weigh Scale of the province of British Columbia. The
specified control area does not include either Vancouver
Island or the Okanagan Valley, but includes the Greater Vancouver Area.
Latest Information - June 8, 2004
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency today introduced its compensation package for
birds ordered depopulated because of avian influenza in British Columbia’s
Fraser Valley.
- Most birds ordered destroyed during the response were sent through normal
commercial channels at market value. The Agency’s compensation is intended
to cover the cost of replacing the remaining birds ordered destroyed for which
market value could not be recovered.
- For more information on compensation, bird owners should call the
Agency’s B.C. office at
604-557-4809, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT.
Latest Information - May 28, 2004
- All infected birds have been depopulated.
- The response effort is now entering the recovery phase, shifting from
depopulation to decontamination and surveillance.
- Active surveillance is increasing throughout the control area to detect any
cases of infection that may remain. If present, infected birds will be
depopulated immediately. As an additional precaution, movement controls on
birds and bird products will remain in effect until surveillance activities
have provided further information about the status of avian influenza in the
Fraser Valley.
Latest Information - May 25, 2004
- The depopulation has focused on infected premises and those present in the
surrounding three-kilometre areas. This virus is highly infectious and can move
quickly, which is why the depopulation strategy has followed a pre-emptive
approach to minimize further disease spread.
- Avian influenza has been detected on 42 commercial and 11 backyard
premises, all within existing three-kilometre areas. All birds from infected
premises have been depopulated.
- The depopulation of these highest-risk areas is nearing completion. All
commercial flocks have been removed, and crews are now focusing on smaller
backyard flocks.
- Finding further infection in birds remaining in the control area is a
possibility that cannot be excluded.
Latest Information - May 18, 2004
- Avian Influenza infection has now been detected on 41 premises.
- The Avian influenza virus was isolated from a farm in close proximity to a
known infected premises. This premises was depopulated on May 5, 2004, as part
of the pre-emptive slaughter initiative.
Latest Information - May 13, 2004
- Further testing
has revealed that geese on a Fraser Valley farm were not infected with
either H5 or H7 avian influenza. There is strong evidence indicating the geese
were exposed to the H6 avian influenza virus. The H6 virus is not associated
with serious animal or human illness.
- The flock was located within three kilometers of three known infected
premises and was targeted for depopulation as part of the CFIA’s avian
influenza response. The regional depopulation of animals in response to
contagious diseases such as avian influenza reflects internationally accepted
animal disease management strategies.
Latest Information - May 12, 2004
- To date, the confirmed number of infected commercial premises in the
Control Area remains at 40. The number of infected smaller premises, commonly
known as backyard flocks, remains at 10.
- There have been no new H7 infected premises identified since April 29,
2004.
- Testing continues in the Control Area. To date, more than 500 premises have
tested negative for avian influenza.
- Depopulation of all premises within 1 km of an infected premises has been
completed and the depopulation of premises within 3 km of an infected premises
is nearing completion.
- The depopulation of backyard flocks continues. A total of 296 backyard
flocks have been depopulated.
- Cleaning and disinfection has begun on 21 out of 40 infected commercial
premises. Cleaning and disinfection was completed on the first premises on
Friday May 7, 2004.
- To date, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforcement unit has received
133 referrals for investigation. Two fines - Administrative Monetary Penalties
- have been issued for the illegal movement of product.
- To date, the CFIA has inspected 1,500 vehicles
at ferry terminals and toll booths for the movement of birds or bird products
out of the Control Area.
Latest Information - May 4, 2004
Latest Information - April 29, 2004
- Ongoing surveillance efforts have led to the detection of avian influenza
on 40 commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
- Testing continues in the control area. To date, over 200 farms have tested
negative for avian influenza.
Latest Information - April 28, 2004
- Ongoing surveillance efforts have led to the detection of avian influenza
on 39 commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
- Testing continues in the control area. To date, over 200 farms have tested
negative for avian influenza.
Latest Information - April 23, 2004
- Ongoing surveillance efforts have led to the detection of avian influenza
on 37 commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
- Testing continues in the control area. To date, over 200 farms have tested
negative for avian influenza.
Latest Information - April 22, 2004
- Ongoing surveillance efforts have led to the detection of avian influenza
on 36 commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
- Testing continues in the control area. To date, over 200 farms have tested
negative for avian influenza.
Latest Information - April 21, 2004
- Ongoing surveillance efforts have led to the detection of avian influenza
on 34 commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
- Testing continues in the control area. To date, over 200 farms have tested
negative for avian influenza.
Latest Information - April 19, 2004
- Through ongoing surveillance we have now detected avian influenza on 31
commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- We are now depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises
where infection is present or suspected.
Latest Information - April 16, 2004
- Through ongoing surveillance we have now detected avian influenza on 30
commercial premises. Depopulation continues on a priority basis for all
positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- We are now depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises
where infection is present or suspected.
Latest Information - April 14, 2004
- Through ongoing surveillance we have now detected avian influenza on 28
commercial premises - 13 in the high-risk region and 15 in the surveillance
region and remainder of control area. Depopulation continues on a priority
basis for all positive premises.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- We are now depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises
where infection is present or suspected.
Latest Information - April 13, 2004
- Through ongoing surveillance, avian influenza has been detected on 25
commercial premises. Birds have been depopulated on all but four of these
locations.
- The disease has also been confirmed on 10 smaller premises, commonly known
as backyard flocks. The CFIA has depopulated all of these
premises.
- The CFIA has
completely depopulated the entire high-risk region, which is believed to be the
concentrated centre of infection.
- The CFIA is now
depopulating the control area, targeting first those premises where infection
is present or suspected.
Latest Information - April 9, 2004
- Fresh and frozen poultry meat will be allowed,
under permit, to be shipped to the rest of Canada.
- Poultry products leaving the control area must not enter federally
registered processing or storage establishments. Labels must be affixed to all
poultry products leaving the control area which indicates the product is only
for retail, hospital, restaurant or institutional use in Canada.
Latest Information - April 8, 2004
- The CFIA has
confirmed the presence of avian influenza in 20 commercial flocks (all infected
premises in the High Risk Region have been depopeulated). The disease has also
been confirmed on six smaller premises, commonly known as backyard flocks. Only
one of these remains to be depopulated.
- Tests are being conducted on samples from all flocks, and results will be
turned around in 24 hours. Poultry that are free of avian influenza will be
eligible for human consumption and sent to commercial slaughter
facilities.
- The first premises being depopulated are those on which we have detected
avian influenza and if additional infected premises are found these will be
depopulated as a priority. Next, our efforts will turn to those premises that
may have had contact with infected birds or potentially contaminated equipment.
We will then target premises in close proximity to any detected cases of avian
influenza infection. Cleaning and disinfection will be ongoing as birds are
removed.
Latest Information - April 7, 2004
- On April 6th, 2004, the CFIA removed all import
restrictions related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) from the State of Texas.
This action follows the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement
that the outbreak in Texas has been completely eradicated. Canadian animal
health officials have reviewed information provided by USDA and are satisfied that
US has effectively controlled this
disease and that the US is now free of HPAI.
Latest Information - April 5, 2004
- The Honourable Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), today announced the depopulation of
all commercial poultry flocks and other backyard birds in the Control Area
established March 11 in British Columbia's Fraser Valley in an effort to
eradicate avian influenza.
- Approximately 19 million birds will be destroyed. Poultry from non-infected
flocks can be processed under full inspection in registered establishments and
made available for sale. All farm owners whose birds are ordered destroyed will
be compensated under the Health of Animals Act.
- The CFIA has now
taken legal steps that require poultry owners to control access to their
premises by affixing a notice at the entrance of their property prohibiting
unauthorized entry to their farm.
Latest Information - April 2, 2004
- The CFIA has confirmed avian influenza on 18 farms–12 in the high-risk
region, four in the surveillance region and two in the larger control
area.
- People and their equipment are likely the most significant factor behind
this spread. By following the proper biosecurity protocols, steps can be taken
to stop the disease.
- Additional measures are being planned to halt the spread of this disease.
The CFIA will continue to evaluate the situation as new information becomes
available.
- There will be strict movement measures to allow poultry producers to
control who enters the premises.
- Technical Briefing - Chief
Veterinarian
Latest Information - March 31, 2004
- The Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today confirmed that avian
influenza was present on a farm in the control area of British
Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The CFIA quarantined the farm on
Monday, March 29, after inconclusive tests suggested that birds on the farm may
have been infected.
- The CFIA has
quarantined a second farm in the control area on the basis of preliminary test
results.
- The risk to human health remains low. The strain of the virus detected in
B.C. is not the same strain present in
Asia.
- The Agency has now confirmed avian influenza infection on seven commercial
farms–six within the high-risk region and one in the broader control area.
Avian influenza has also been detected in three small non-commercial flocks in
the high-risk region. All birds from these non-commercial flocks have been
destroyed as part of the ongoing depopulation process.
Latest Information - March 29, 2004
- The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) today quarantined a farm
in the control area of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The action is a
precautionary measure based on preliminary test results that indicate the
possible presence of avian influenza.
- B.C. authorities initially investigated the farm after observing a slight
increase in flock mortality. Subsequent tests revealed a mild strain of
Newcastle disease, a common bird disease. Inconclusive analysis by the CFIA suggested the birds may
also have been infected with avian influenza. The CFIA is conducting additional tests
to definitively confirm the presence or absence of avian influenza infection
and has restricted all movement on or off the farm until the testing is
complete.
- To date, avian influenza has been detected on six farms, all within the
high-risk region. The presence of avian influenza on the sixth farm was
confirmed today. All birds from this farm will be destroyed today and
depopulation continues in this region.
Latest Information - March 24, 2004
- The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) today announced that it
will depopulate all remaining flocks in the high-risk region of British
Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The decision follows the detection yesterday of
avian influenza on two farms, bringing the total number of infected premises in
the high-risk region to five.
- The depopulation is intended to contain further disease spread by
eliminating the pool of infection and susceptible birds present in the
high-risk region. The CFIA is working with provincial
counterparts to address outstanding issues related to biosecurity,
transportation and disposal. Activities will commence as soon as these
discussions are complete.
- Approximately 275,000 birds will be destroyed and removed from 10 farms and
33 smaller flocks. All owners of birds depopulated will be compensated under
the Health of Animals Act.
Latest Information - March 23, 2004
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has targeted for depopulation
two additional farms within the high-risk region.
- All birds from these farms will be destroyed and disposed of in accordance
with provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease
control guidelines.
- Following a precautionary approach, the CFIA decided to depopulate these
farms after a significant number birds deaths were observed. Avian influenza
has been confirmed on one of these farms. Test results, expected later this
week, will provide more information about the presence of avian influenza on
the other farm.
- The finding of multiple sites of infection in close proximity to one
another is consistent with the highly contagious nature of the virus and is why
the CFIA acted
swiftly to implement strict movement restrictions and biosecurity measures in
the high risk region.
- To date, five farms, all within the high-risk region, have been targeted
for depopulation.
Latest Information - March 12, 2004
- Test results today confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian
influenza on a farm in southern British Columbia. Surveillance activities
detected the disease earlier this week, but laboratory analysis was needed to
determine the pathogenicity of the virus.
- The risk to human health remains low. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) is
euthanizing birds on the farm. All birds will be disposed of in accordance with
provincial regulations, environmental management practices and internationally
accepted disease control guidelines.
- The Government of Canada yesterday declared a control area in southern
BC to prevent further disease
spread. The control area includes the Greater Vancouver Area, but not
Vancouver Island or the Okanagan Valley.
Latest Information - March 11, 2004
- Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Bob Speller declared today the establishment of
a control area in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia (B.C.) to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The
declaration follows the detection of avian influenza on two farms in B.C.’s Fraser Valley.
- The movement of any bird that is in captivity, including pet birds, day-old
chicks and hatching eggs, any product or by-products of a bird, and anything
which has been exposed to a bird, into, out of or within the control area is
now restricted.
- The control area is the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. The control area
includes the Greater Vancouver Area, but not Vancouver Island or the Okanagan
Valley.
Latest Information - March 9, 2004
- Since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announcement on February 23
of low pathogenic avian influenza on a Fraser Valley, B.C. farm, ongoing tests have been performed as a
part of the CFIA’s investigation. These
tests now indicate that both low and high pathogenic forms of the H7N3 virus
were present on the same farm.
- The risk to human health remains low. This is not the same virus which
currently exists in Asia. Low and high pathogenicity refers to how the virus
behaves in birds. Although the H7N3 virus has not been known to cause illness
in humans, every possible precaution continues to be taken in order to protect
human health regardless of the virus' pathogenicity.
- The CFIA
responded quickly to the initial discovery of low pathogenic avian influenza by
placing the farm under quarantine on February 18, euthanizing all infected
birds on February 20, disposing of them, and establishing an active
surveillance program. The farm will remain under quarantine until cleaning and
disinfection is complete.
Latest Information - March 1, 2004
- Disposal of the approximately 16,000 birds in British Columbia is
complete.
- The CFIA
continues to survey poultry farms identified as having had contact with the
quarantined premises.
- The BC Centre for Disease Control
(BCCDC)
has advised that test results to date show that none of the individuals under
their observation have been found to have evidence of avian influenza.
- Based on information received, Japan, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Peru,
Brazil and South Korea have suspended the import of various poultry commodities
from Canada, including live birds and poultry products.
- Romania, Mexico, Russia, Barbados, Philippines, Poland and Hong Kong have
limited their ban to poultry commodities from British Columbia.
- CFIA export
negotiators are working with these countries to limit or lift these
restrictions at the earliest possible opportunity.
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