Manitoba Agriculture reports that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a case of avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Manitoba.
This confirmation marks the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a commercial herd in Manitoba. Additional information is available at
HPAI cases have previously been confirmed in many jurisdictions in Canada and the United States, including North Dakota and Minnesota, on the route to return spring migratory birds to Manitoba.
The risk of avian influenza to human health is low. There are no known cases of transmission of this strain of the virus from birds to humans in North America.
This strain of avian influenza does not pose a risk to food safety. Poultry and Manitoba eggs are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked.
All Manitoba residents who keep poultry on their property in any quantity must complete an application for the Manitoba Agriculture Premises Identification Program. This will allow quick contact in case HPAI is detected nearby. More information can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-safety/traceability/premises-identification.html.
Owners of small herds are strongly advised to take extra precautions. Small herds are considered to be at high risk of HPAI infection as they often have access to open-air or free-range pens. This means that there is a high probability of contact with wild birds that can be infected with HPAI.
Precautions for small herd owners include:
– restriction of birds indoors during this high-risk period of wild bird migration; – avoiding exhibitions or trade in birds while the risk of HPAI is high; – contact a veterinarian immediately if an increase in sudden death or respiratory symptoms is observed in the herd; and – the use of a quarantine period of 21 days prior to the integration of new birds into the flock.
Poultry farmers in Manitoba are strongly urged to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, including precautions with farm visitors and service companies. The Manitoba government continues to work with the CFIA, which is managing the disease response, as well as the poultry industry, to support producers and owners of small flocks and to strengthen the high levels of biosecurity already in place to reduce further spread of the disease. Coordination is under way with Manitoba poultry organizations and key stakeholders in the sector, and regular updates are provided.
Producers are encouraged to continue to monitor the information provided through their sectoral organizations and the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer. Producers and owners of small herds who need help with animal health problems can contact their veterinarian or the office of the chief veterinarian at 204-945-7663.
Although the risk of transmitting bird flu to humans is low, people should not touch dead birds or other wildlife with their bare hands. Goggles and masks are recommended as an additional precaution. Hands should be washed well before and after with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If a dead bird is to be handled, gloves should be worn and the dead bird should be placed in a plastic bag.
Manitobans are asked to contact the TIP line (toll free) at 1-800-782-0076 if they find any of the following:
– groups of six or more dead wild waterfowl (eg ducks, geese) or other waterfowl; – any number of dead birds of prey or bird-cleaners (eg crows, crows, gulls); and – groups of dead birds, more than 20 of each species. – Public cooperation is appreciated to help monitor this evolving situation.
Further information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/update-avian-influenza-in-north-america.html.
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