DEPOPULATION OF BIRDS COMPLETE AT SASKATCHEWAN FARM
2007-10-31 - Avian Influenza Movement Restrictions Lifted in Saskatchewan
OTTAWA, October 3, 2007 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
completed the humane depopulation of birds on the farm in Saskatchewan where
highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza was detected last week.
CFIA's
actions are consistent with international scientific recommendations and
guidelines and significant experience in previous avian influenza detections
and training exercises. The birds were euthanized with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas
and are being buried in a remote area of the property approved for this purpose
by provincial authorities. Normal decomposition of the bird carcass following
burial effectively deactivates the avian influenza virus and respects
provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease
control and biocontainment guidelines.
The next step will be the cleaning and disinfection of all barns, vehicles,
equipment and tools on the property. This is necessary to remove any infected
material that may remain and prevent a possible reoccurrence of the disease.
Providing that no new cases of infection are found in the area, the producer
will be able to introduce new birds onto the property after cleaning and
disinfection have been completed. CFIA will then monitor these
newly placed birds for any evidence of the disease following their
introduction.
The CFIA will
provide compensation to the producer for the market value of all birds ordered
destroyed through this investigation as well as any costs the producer may
incur associated with destruction and disposal. Assistance is also available
through other federal and provincial programs.
Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to human health and safety when
poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. In this case, no
products from the infected farm entered the human food system.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease in birds. Movement of live
birds, bird products, or things that may have come in contact with birds may
cause the spread of avian influenza. As a result, the CFIA has implemented movement
control measures for these products. There are general restrictions for the
entire Province of Saskatchewan and additional restrictions for the
three-kilometre and 10-kilometre regions around the infected farm. CFIA permits are required to
move certain products. No restrictions apply to the movement of poultry meat
and table eggs purchased from grocery stores.
The CFIA will
continue monitoring of bird health and sampling of premises located within 10
kilometres of the infected farm. These activities will continue for a period of
21 days.
More information on the movement control measures for the province and the
regions around the infected farm is available on the CFIA Web site at
www.inspection.gc.ca, or from the CFIA regional office in
Saskatchewan at 306-780-8788 or 1-800-442-2342.
The CFIA
continues to work with the Province of Saskatchewan, industry, local
authorities and the producer in this response effort and will provide more
information as it becomes available.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682
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