The poultry at the West Kootenay property have been infected with avian influenza. File photo
BC the outbreak of bird flu extends to Western Kuteney
The virus was found in a small herd
Poultry at a residence in West Kootenay has been found to have domestic avian influenza, the latest case in British Columbia, as the contagious virus continues to spread.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has quarantined the property while producers within a 12-kilometer radius have been notified of the test results, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on Friday.
The ministry did not say where the residence was located, except in the Central Kutenai area. The regional district includes the districts of Nelson, Castlegar and Creston.
The H5N1 strain previously killed a bird in Vancouver in February and spread in April with cases reported in Delta, Vancouver, Bowen Island, Lac Hash, Vanderhoff and Kelowna, and North Okanagan.
The virus can infect food-producing birds, such as chickens and turkeys, as well as wild birds and pets.
READ MORE:
• Avian influenza, spreading a debate on bird management
• Information sheet on avian influenza compiled for small flock owners after discovery in British Columbia
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