Canada Confirms Low Pathogenic Bird Flu

OTTAWA - Feb 20/04 - SNS -- Laboratory tests confirm the strain of avian influenza found on a British Columbia farm is the low pathogenic H7 strain, reports the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

As part of the ongoing surveillance, the CFIA will be conducting additional tests that will provide additional information about the virus. These test results may assist animal health experts in investigating the origin of the virus, as well as any additional cases, should they exist.

Health Canada has confirmed today the presence of mild respiratory symptoms in some workers at the farm. Exposed persons initially reported no symptoms of respiratory illness but were advised to closely monitor their health. Out of the nine persons exposed on the farm, five have since reported mild respiratory symptoms. Those who have been exposed and have symptoms are being treated with the antiviral drug, oseltamivir. They have also been offered influenza vaccination. Health Canada, provincial and local health officials are working together to continuously monitor the situation.

The CFIA continues to take a precautionary approach to the animal health aspect of the situation and will maintain an active investigation. The B.C. farm has been placed under quarantine to halt the spread of the disease. Approximately 16,000 birds on the farm are being humanely destroyed and will be disposed of in accordance with provincial regulations, environmental management practices and internationally accepted disease control guidelines.

The subscriber version of the article is available by Clicking here