HPAI reported in Canadian backyard poultry flock
An outbreak of the HPAI H5N1 strain has been reported in the Canadian province of British Columbia, a report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) confirms.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation into the outbreak of avian influenza in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, where the presence of a high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed on a non-commercial farm in Chilliwack, BC. The infected premises is under quarantine, depopulation of the affected birds has been completed and disposal measures are underway.
This is the first time the H5N1 strain of the virus has been detected during the current avian influenza outbreak in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. The other affected farms in BC were infected by the H5N2 strain.
The H5N1 strain was found in wild birds in Washington State in January 2015. The CFIA applies the same disease control measures following detections of H5N1 and H5N2 avian influenza viruses.
As part of the ongoing efforts, quarantines for three premises located in Abbotsford, BC have been lifted. It has been 21 days since the infected premises underwent the required cleaning and disinfection measures; therefore, the premises are now considered to be free of the disease.
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