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FARM QUARANTINED AFTER AVIAN INFLUENZA SUSPECTED

OTTAWA, 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. The risk to human health remains low. The strain of the virus detected in B.C. is not the same strain present in Asia.

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.

The CFIA is examining any possible links that may exist between the newly quarantined farm and any of the premises in the high-risk region. As a further precaution, the CFIA is also investigating other premises that may be associated with the quarantined farm. The quarantined farm was repopulated with new flocks following the detection of Newcastle disease. Over the next several days the CFIA will monitor and test these birds for any signs of infection.

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.

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For more information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations (613)228-6682

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