A highly transmitted and deadly variant of avian influenza has appeared in a small flock of chickens in southeastern New Brunswick.
The website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency shows that highly pathogenic avian influenza – or H5N1 – was discovered last Monday in the Turtle Creek area, about 20 kilometers southwest of Moncton.
The agency described the premises where the disease was found as a “small flock”, meaning that the chickens are kept on “private property that is not designated as a commercial flock”.
An online map shows the “infected area” where the disease was found, along with the “primary control area” that surrounds it.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, no birds, poultry products or by-products can be moved into, outside, into or into a primary control area without authorization.
The movement of live birds to the infected area is prohibited until the disease is found to be under control within the primary control area. At this time, movements may be considered under the restrictions of a special permit.
An interactive map of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency shows the infected area and the primary control area, which is subject to special rules for poultry producers. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
In an email to CBC News, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the epidemic had affected less than 100 chickens.
The agency said all chickens that did not die from avian influenza were humanely destroyed and discarded to prevent the spread of the disease.
The discovery of H5N1 in Turtle Creek was the first to affect farm poultry in New Brunswick since the disease began to spread in Canada in recent months.
However, the disease was found in wild birds in New Brunswick, which the agency claims it suspects caused the Turtle Creek epidemic.
“Scientific evidence shows that the virus circulates naturally among wild birds and spreads through migratory birds. Highly pathogenic AI is worldwide and outbreaks are currently occurring in the United States and other countries in Asia and Europe. “
In March, the Canadian Wildlife Service announced the confirmation of a case of a larger black-backed gull in Riverview, about 20 kilometers from where it was recently discovered.
Since then, the disease has spread to other wild birds in New Brunswick, including the Canada Goose, the Green-headed Duck and the American Crow.
The proliferation of wild birds has led experts to advise people to either take down or frequently clean backyard bird feeders.
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Most forms of bird flu are mild, but the H5N1 strain can cause serious illness and death in wild and domestic birds.
The disease is not considered a significant concern for humans, but infections can destroy a herd in a matter of days.
In the absence of treatment, the entire herd must be destroyed to ensure control of the infection.
The NB outbreak is not a major concern, says the industry representative
Lisa Bishop-Spencer, a spokeswoman for chicken producers in Canada, said the Turtle Creek outbreak was not a major concern for her, given that it was not in commercial operation.
However, the speed with which the disease is spreading shows the need for poultry and egg producers to take precautions in their operations, she said.
Lisa Bishop-Spencer, a spokeswoman for Canada’s chicken producers, said fears that bird flu was spreading to large poultry shops. (Increase / CBC)
“So we need to take precautions to make sure that not only will it not spread to commercial herds, but that it will not spread at all, so the important thing for us right now is to help create these [primary control] zones, “she said.
Bishop Spencer said the primary control area covers a radius of about 10 kilometers, subjecting all poultry producers to tighter rules.
“So, if there was a poultry operation in the area, the farmer would have to take additional biosecurity measures; to do things like washing hoses and washing the tires and wheels of every truck that enters his property. “
As for the general public, Bishop Spencer said commercial poultry products remain safe to eat.
“At this point, I think it’s important, you know, that everyone is aware and vigilant, but I don’t think anyone should be worried.
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