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Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in British Columbia

OTTAWA, February 23, 2004 -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has received additional test results further identifying the low pathogenic avian influenza virus in British Columbia as H7N3. This is not the same virus which currently exists in Asia or which has been found in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas earlier this month.

The H7N3 avian influenza virus identified in B.C. is also different from the virus associated with the death of a Dutch veterinarian in 2003.

As part of the ongoing surveillance, the CFIA will be conducting additional tests that will provide more information about the virus.

The CFIA continues to take a precautionary approach to the animal health aspect of the situation and will maintain an active investigation. The B.C. farm remains under quarantine and approximately 16,000 birds on the farm have been humanely destroyed and are being disposed of in accordance with provincial regulations, environmental management practices and internationally accepted disease control guidelines.

The CFIA has established an active surveillance program and will begin surveying poultry farms identified as having had contact with the quarantined premises.

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