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ALL PREMISES IN FRASER VALLEY ELIGIBLE TO RESTOCK

July 9, 2004 – All premises in the High-Risk Region are eligible to begin restocking as of July 9. This date marks 21 days since the last infected premises was satisfactorily cleaned and disinfected. Birds brought onto previously infected premises must first be tested for avian influenza then tested weekly for four weeks if it has been less than 60 days since the premises was satisfactorily cleaned and disinfected.

"Today we are passing an important marker on our road to recovery," said Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "The resiliency and strong cooperation of everyone affected by this unprecedented outbreak have played a key role in restoring the health of British Columbia’s poultry industry. There is still work to do, but we are very near the end of this ordeal."

Now that all premises in the Control Area are free to restock, the following movement permits will apply uniformly throughout the Area, with the exception of previously infected premises, which will remain under quarantine.

Movement Controls

1. Live birds may be moved into and within the Control Area. Only pet birds and pigeons may be moved out of the Control Area.
2. Hatching eggs may be moved into and within the Control Area. Movement out of the Control Area is prohibited.
3. Federally-graded table eggs may be moved into and within the Control Area. Movement to retailers in BC is permitted. Movement outside of BC is prohibited.
4. Poultry products, such as meat, may be moved within the Control Area. Movement out of the Control Area is permitted under certain restrictions.

The Agency will continue to monitor the need for movement restrictions as ongoing surveillance provides further information about the disease status of the Fraser Valley. As well, discussions with industry and the provinces will evaluate the trade impacts of removing movement restrictions prior to Canada receiving its international disease-free status. The World Organization for Animal Health recommends that countries that practice "stamping out" be considered free of highly pathogenic avian influenza six months after the slaughter of the last infected flock.

Additional information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
www.inspection.gc.ca
Media relations (403) 813-6523

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