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On April 10, bird flu (H5N1) was confirmed in a flock of poultry in Wetaskiwin County.
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The information was published on the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on April 11.
The infected premises have been quarantined by the CFIA, which has launched an investigation and will introduce traffic control measures on other farms in the affected area. Avian influenza is highly pathogenic and poses a significant national concern as wild birds migrate to Canada due to its prevalence in wild bird populations worldwide.
For poultry producers and owners of backyard or poultry flocks, the CFIA website contains bird flu resources and biosecurity measures.
Bird owners are legally responsible for notifying the authorities of avian influenza and should call a veterinarian or local CFIA office if they suspect that their birds have bird flu.
Some or all of the following clinical signs are evident in infected birds: decline in egg production, many of which are soft-shelled or non-shelled; diarrhea, bleeding in the hocks, high and sudden mortality, silence and extreme depression, swelling of the skin under the eyes or the folds and combs become swollen and clogged
The incubation period of AI varies from 2 to 14 days.
The symptoms of AI (or better known as bird flu) are very similar to those seen in Newcastle disease and other poultry diseases.
Avian influenza should be suspected based on clinical signs.
Laboratory tests are needed to confirm the presence of avian influenza virus.
Calls for possible bird flu can be directed to Ravinder Arora at 403-629-1728 or email Ravinder.Arora@inspection.gc.ca
Wetaskiwin County provides this update as public information and is not directly involved in the notification process, all questions should be directed to the CFIA.
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