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Daily Brief

The PSEPC Daily Brief is a compilation of summaries of publicly available and PSEPC information concerning critical infrastructure protection and emergency management.

DOB06-043 - 2 March 2006

News

Blizzard conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador
As of March 2, Environment Canada has issued several severe weather warnings for Newfoundland and Labrador (N.L.). CBC reported that a blizzard already landed in eastern Newfoundland on March 1, but with less force than predicted. However, it was strong enough to close schools.

Environment Canada recorded 19 centimetres of snow that fell in the St. John’s area, and a comparable amount for the Deer Lake-Corner Brook area.  St. John’s International airport reported that at least seven departures and four arrivals were cancelled.
(Source: CBCnews , Environment Canada, 2 March 2006)
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Environment Canada issues public weather warnings across the country.

Canada bans poultry products from France
On March 1, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a prohibition on the importation of poultry and poultry products from France following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus on a turkey farm in Ain, France.  Commercially sterile processed products are permitted.  The import ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza entering Canada.
(Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1 March 2006)
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The CFIA actively monitors and analyzes the progression of avian influenza occurrences at the international level, and takes actions consistent with recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) .

In brief

Avian Influenza: Iraq
On March 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Iraqi Ministry of Health confirmed that a 39-year-old man died from the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This case brings the total number of fatal cases in the country to two.
(Source: World Health Organization , 1 March 2006)
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Since 2003, WHO has confirmed a total of 174 human cases with the H5N1 avian influenza, including 94 deaths.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information on avian influenza.

Greece confirms three new cases of avian influenza in birds
On March 1, the Greek Agriculture Ministry confirmed that new cases of the H5N1 avian influenza virus were detected in three swans. The birds were found in the same northern area of the country where the other cases were reported.
(Source: Reuters AlertNet , 1 March 2006)
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Cyber risk assessment

Over the course of the past 24 hours, the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) has not detected any significant new threats or vulnerabilities. No significant incidents with the potential to affect critical infrastructure have been reported. Accordingly, based on the information available to CCIRC, the cyber risk facing Canadian critical infrastructure is assessed as low. Personnel responsible for information, systems and network security should continue to apply appropriate security precautions and monitor their systems.

Recent cyber alerts and advisories issued by CCIRC can be viewed under “Recent analytical releases” at www.psepc.gc.ca/ccirc.

See also...

• The Weather Office
• FAC - Travel Updates

Note to readers

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) collects information related to cyber and physical threats to, and incidents involving, Canadian critical infrastructure. This allows us to monitor and analyze threats and to issue alerts, advisories and other information products.

Any suspected criminal activity should be reported to local law enforcement organizations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Operations Centre (NOC) provides a 24/7 service to receive such reports or to redirect callers to local law enforcement organizations. The NOC can be reached at (613) 993-4460. National security concerns should be reported to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at (613) 993-9620.

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