Avian flu detected in more Alberta farms

Avian flu continues to spread in Alberta, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirming the virus’ presence in more locations.

The agency reported over the weekend that the highly pathogenic avian influenza was identified late last week in poultry flocks in Alberta’s Mountain View County, Warner County, and Cardston County.

The CFIA says the virus has also been confirmed in a small flock in the Rural Municipality of Moose Mountain Number 63 in Saskatchewan, as well as in a poultry flock in the Rural Municipality of Loreburn No. 254 on Saturday.

Avian influenza is not a significant public health concern for health people who are not in regular contact with infected birds, the agency notes.

Related articles:

• Alberta bird flu outbreak continues to spread throughout province

• ‘No risk to food safety’: Avian flu discovery in Alberta prompts reassurance from agriculture minister

• Alberta avian ‘bird’ flu strain found in poultry farms across the province

The CFIA explains the virus is spreading in wild bird populations around the world and that it “presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada.”

“The CFIA continues to remind anyone with poultry or other susceptible birds to practice good biosecurity habits to protect them from infectious animal diseases,” a statement on the agency’s website reads in part.

It adds each of the locations where H5N1 has been detected has been placed under quarantine.

So far, thousands of birds in Alberta have been culled in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.