July 31, 2006
Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Minister Rosann Wowchuk today announced a new program that will provide a free
veterinary examination of dead and live birds submitted by small flock owners
to the province’s veterinary laboratory.
“This program is the logical next step in
detecting the arrival of Asian strains of avian influenza in Manitoba,” said
Wowchuk. “The focus is to help owners of
small and backyard flocks get information regarding any disease problems
diagnosed in their birds. Larger poultry
producers already have significant bio-security measures in place to monitor
the health of their flocks.”
Any high mortality or large egg production
drop in flocks over two weeks of age is a good reason to submit birds for
testing. Dead or live birds can be taken
to the local veterinarian for submission to the provincial veterinary
diagnostic laboratory or can be delivered directly to the lab by the producer.
Full program details and a copy of the
submission form can be obtained at http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/poultry/bba13s05.html.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory
is located in the Agricultural Services Complex at the main University of
Manitoba campus in south Winnipeg. Samples
must be live sick chickens, fresh dead birds or dead birds that have been
chilled or frozen. For instructions on
shipping birds from outside Winnipeg call 204-945-7636 or 945‑8738.
“Small flock owners are encouraged to take
advantage of this service and receive an informative report on any diseases
found including avian influenza,” said Wowchuk.
“Early detection of disease will help small flock owners to solve health
problems in their birds and early detection of the Asian strain of avian
influenza will help protect both small flock owners and Manitoba’s poultry
industry.”
Small flock owners are encouraged to work
with their local veterinarian to apply the results from the birds examined and
tested at the provincial laboratory.
The program is in effect until March 31,
2007.
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