The number of operations with poultry affected by bird flu (AI) has increased on the prairies.
There are now 17 AI-influenced surgeries in Alberta, with new cases reported in small sturgeon flocks and poultry flocks in Kneehill, Wetaskiwin, Rocky View and Camrose counties.
The CFIA confirmed that three new operations in Saskatchewan had been affected, including the RM of Loreburn, the RM of Morse and the RM of Carmichael, bringing the total number of the province to five.
The CFIA website says in Manitoba that the disease was confirmed last Saturday in a flock of poultry for commercial purposes in the rural municipality of Whitemot.
Lisa Bishop-Spencer, director of Brand and Communications, issued the following statement.
“Everything that needs to enter this area for poultry and eggs will have to be allowed within this 10-kilometer zone. this region.
“In addition, farmers are working hard on the farm and within this three-kilometer zone around the index farm. They will do things like disinfect vehicle tires and wells on wheels when they get in and out of the property.
“Change of clothes when visiting the room and then again, if you have to enter the barn at all. Things like limiting the visit to a meeting and tracking who comes to the property.”
She says Health Canada is adamant that this is not a food safety issue, but rather a herd health issue.
Bishop Spencer commented on what would happen to the infected barn.
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will order this barn to be depopulated and then we will do everything possible at this time. If she’s in the barn, we try to keep her in the barn, and if she’s out, we keep her out.
Bishop Spencer notes that producers should not worry, but should be vigilant and increase biosecurity around all properties. She added that they did not see much side-spread from farm to farm, which was good news and reminded people to keep an eye on wild birds in the area.
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