Avian Flu Strikes Canadian Flocks

OTTAWA - Feb 19/04 - SNS -- Two flocks of chickens in Canada's west coast province of British Columbia have been diagnosed as being infected with the H7 strain of avian influenza, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The strain of bird flu does not pose a danger to humans, but it poses a significant danger to chickens and needs to be brought under control to prevent it spreading to other flocks. The strain is the same as that discovered in the eastern United States and Canadian poultry producers are bracing any potential consumer backlash and import bans.

Initial test results from a provincial laboratory in B.C. detected the avian influenza virus and the H7 subtype was confirmed at the CFIA’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg. This is not the same virus which currently exists in Asia. Health Canada advises that the risk to human health remains low. At this stage the issue is focused on animal to animal transmission and the risk that poses to those who come in direct contact with animals who have H7 avian influenza.

The B.C. farm has been placed under quarantine to halt the spread of the disease and approximately 16,000 birds on the farm will be depopulated within the next few days. The farmer will be eligible for compensation under the Health of Animals Regulations.

The CFIA has established an active surveillance program in nearby farms and will continue to monitor all aspects of this case. The CFIA continues to work closely with Health Canada and the B.C. provincial government.

Avian influenza is a contagious virus affecting domestic and wild birds. While it may not be possible to identify the source of the virus, it was most likely transmitted by migratory waterfowl, which are natural hosts for the influenza viruses but do not get sick.

Canada has had three cases of low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses since 1975, the latest of which was reported in 2000 in Ontario.

The subscriber version of the article is available by Clicking here