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DEPOPULATION OF ALL BIRDS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA’S FRASER VALLEY

OTTAWA, April 5, 2004 – The Honourable Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), today announced the depopulation of all commercial poultry flocks and other backyard birds in the Control Area established March 11 in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley in an effort to eradicate avian influenza. The decision is based on the recommendation of the CFIA in consultation with the Province of British Columbia and the poultry industry.

"Due to the rapidly spreading nature of avian influenza, it is clear that a more aggressive approach is needed to control this highly contagious bird disease," said Minister Speller. "This is not a decision I take lightly, but it is important for the long-term viability of the poultry industry," he added.

Approximately 19 million birds will be destroyed. While it is possible that a significant number of the birds being destroyed are not infected, this measure is intended as a pre-emptive strike to control the spread of the disease. Poultry from non-infected flocks can be processed under full inspection in registered establishments and made available for sale.

The depopulation effort will require the assistance and cooperation of all partners. The CFIA will be working closely with those partners to move as quickly as possible in this effort. All farm owners whose birds are ordered destroyed will be compensated under the Health of Animals Act.

Last Friday, Minister Speller travelled to B.C’s Fraser Valley and met with his provincial counterpart, B.C. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries John van Dongen, the poultry industry and CFIA technical experts to discuss optional control measures. Prior to the decision to proceed with depopulating all of the birds in the control area, other less aggressive options were considered. It is evident, however, that the rapid spread of this highly contagious virus requires much more aggressive actions to minimize any additional spread.

"As the depopulation effort will take some time, it is critical that everyone – from the poultry producer to those involved in the disease control activities – continue to be vigilant in following strict biosecurity measures," said Minister Speller.  

To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, the CFIA has now taken legal steps that require poultry owners to control access to their premises by affixing a notice at the entrance of their property prohibiting unauthorized entry to their farm.

Before allowing anyone onto their premises, poultry owners must check to ensure the following measures have been taken to reduce the risk of avian influenza.

• All vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned with approved disinfectant.
• Visitors must wear clean protective clothing and footwear. If possible, provide coveralls and boots and always put a footbath at the entrance to poultry houses.
• Equipment entering and leaving the farm must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

The CFIA will continue to work closely with Health Canada, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, the B.C. Ministry of Health Services and local health officials throughout the expanded depopulation efforts to ensure all appropriate measures are taken to monitor and protect the health of those involved in the avian influenza response.

While the risk to the general population remains low, health officials have emphasized that personal protective measures for those in close contact with infected birds are extremely important. To date two workers who had separate and known exposure to infected birds have tested positive for H7 infection. Both experienced mild symptoms and have since fully recovered.

Officials are optimistic that this new measure will be successful, however, it is still possible that additional infected farms will be identified while the depopulation effort is underway.

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For more information:

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

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