New avian flu case in Okanagan

A small backyard poultry flock in Kelowna has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, more commonly known as bird flu.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the new case today, a couple of weeks after a case on April 13 at a North Okanagan farm in Enderby.

The CFIA says 25,000 birds were destroyed as a result of the Enderby case.

The newly-infected premises has been placed under quarantine by the CFIA and B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture has notified producers within a 12-kilometre radius of the positive test result.

The ministry is working with the CFIA and B.C. poultry producers to ensure enhanced prevention and preparedness measures are in place to protect poultry flocks in B.C.

Owners of small or backyard flocks are urged to continue to be vigilant and have appropriate preventative measures in place. Measures include eliminating or reducing opportunities for poultry to encounter wild birds, reducing human access to the flock, and increased cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization of all things (including clothing and footwear) when entering areas where flocks are housed.

Additionally, a recent sample from a bald eagle found in Delta tested positive for the high pathogenicity avian influenza. This is the second bald eagle sample that has tested positive, with another positive case found in Vancouver in February. These samples were collected through B.C.’s wild bird surveillance program for avian influenza, which gathers samples from sick and dead birds as well as sediment samples from wetlands the birds gather on.

Avian influenza is a federally regulated disease and the CFIA leads the investigation and response with provincial support for testing, mapping, surveillance and disposal.

For more information:

Ministry of Agriculture and Food information on avian Influenza, including what to be on the lookout for, resources for small flock owners, deputy chief veterinarian orders and information about testing.

CFIA information on current state of avian influenza in Canada.