Avian flu outbreak confirmed in Southern Alberta

May 24, 2022 | 11:03 AM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed two more outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), one in southeastern Alberta and the other in southern B.C.

The CFIA reports that, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, a small “non-poultry” flock in Cypress County, Alberta, was confirmed to have contracted HPAI.

The infection in Cypress County, near Medicine Hat, is the 29th in Alberta but the first in more than a week.

Before this, the recent infection in Southern Alberta had been detected on May 11, 2022, in Foothills County, which also impacted a small non-poultry flock.

Over in B.C., the latest cases were found in a small poultry flock in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on May 22, 2022.

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The agency warns that the so-called bird flu is spreading globally and outbreaks have been confirmed in every province except Prince Edward Island.

The CFIA says in a statement, “This serves as a strong reminder that avian influenza is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with farm animals must practice good biosecurity habits.”

Avian influenza poses an extremely low risk to human health and no risk to food safety.

If you suspect that your birds have HPIA, contact a veterinarian to determine if further actions are required or the nearest CFIA Animal Health office.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird is told to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).

by David Opinko