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Avian Influenza Detected in British Columbia

Ottawa, February 19, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)  has received test results confirming the presence of the H7 avian influenza virus on a farm in British Columbia. Further testing will confirm whether the virus is a low or highly pathogenic version of the virus.

Initial test results from a provincial laboratory in B.C. detected the avian influenza virus and the H7 subtype was confirmed at the CFIA’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg. This is not the same virus which currently exists in Asia. Health Canada advises that the risk to human health remains low. At this stage the issue is focused on animal to animal transmission and the risk that poses to those who come in direct contact with animals who have H7 avian influenza.

The B.C. farm has been placed under quarantine to halt the spread of the disease and approximately 16,000 birds on the farm will be depopulated within the next few days. The farmer will be eligible for compensation under the Health of Animals Regulations.

The CFIA has established an active surveillance program in nearby farms and will continue to monitor all aspects of this case. The CFIA continues to work closely with Health Canada and the B.C. provincial government.

Avian influenza is a contagious virus affecting domestic and wild birds. While it may not be possible to identify the source of the virus, it was most likely transmitted by migratory waterfowl, which are natural hosts for the influenza viruses but do not get sick.

Canada has had three cases of low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses since 1975, the latest of which was reported in 2000 in Ontario.

The CFIA will continue to keep the public informed on the investigation.

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