Newsroom > News Releases / Information Bulletins 

FRASER VALLEY AVIAN INFLUENZA RESPONSE CONCLUDES

OTTAWA, August 18, 2004 - The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, today lifted all remaining movement restrictions on birds, bird products and bird by-products in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The removal of these restrictions brings an official end to the avian influenza response operation, which began on February 19, 2004.

The restrictions had applied to the Fraser Valley, where all cases of avian influenza infection were found. Surveillance indicates that highly pathogenic avian influenza has been eradicated from commercial and backyard flocks in this area.

 Bird owners may now freely move any live birds. As well, hatching eggs, federally graded table eggs and poultry products, such as meat, are all eligible to be moved without restriction within Canada. Some international export restrictions remain in place and are being addressed on a country-by-country basis.

“Today marks the end of a very trying ordeal for the Fraser Valley,” said Minister Mitchell. “Undoubtedly, the cooperation and contribution of affected bird owners, industry and our provincial and municipal partners were key to the success of our operation. We need to continue working together to help prevent a similar situation from re-occurring.”

"This crisis brought industry, governments and the community together to tackle tremendous challenges," said John van Dongen, British Columbia Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.  "The entire industry suffered heavy economic losses, including specialty growers and small flock owners.  While the impact is not over yet, I believe that the Fraser Valley industry will fully recover and be stronger and even more resilient in the future."

The Agency contained the outbreak by depopulating infected or high-risk birds and controlling the movement of birds and associated products that posed a risk of spreading the virus. As well, the Agency encouraged bird owners to follow strict biosecurity practices intended to protect flocks from the avian influenza virus.

Avian influenza can be carried by wild birds, making the eradication of the disease difficult, if not impossible. Faced with this reality, bird owners across Canada are being asked to maintain appropriate biosecurity controls.

The decision to conclude the response operation comes 60 days after the last infected premises was cleaned and disinfected. This timeframe reflects internationally recognized avian influenza recommendations.

- 30 -

For information:

Bryan Kirk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
613) 759-1059

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682

• Main Page - Avian Influenza