Officials are forecasting a rising number of avian influenza infections in Canada in spring 2023. (Photo: CHAT News Today)

By Angela Kazmierczak

Surge in avian influenza expected this spring

Apr 28, 2023 | 10:28 AM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – Officials are predicting an increased number of avian influenza infections.

With millions of birds impacted from avian influenza in 2022 and millions of wild birds returning to nest and reproduce in Canada’s lakes and forests, it is giving way to some recommended precautionary measures.

Dr. Keith Lehman, Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian, said in a recent notice that a surge in avian influenza is expected for this spring.

Lisa Sulz, agricultural supervisor for Cypress County, adds, “As they come back, they’re going to come back through southern Alberta first on their way north, so they’re gonna potentially carry and leave that virus here if there’s any contact with poultry or other wild birds in the county.”

Currently, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reports that 11 properties in Alberta are impacted by avian flu, including an estimated 1,400,100 birds.

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Domestic turkeys and chickens are the most susceptible to the virus.

In 2022, a case was detected in a small backyard flock in Cypress County, about 10 kilometers outside of Medicine Hat. That same year, other parts of the province suffered more cases of influenza. In Central Alberta, millions of birds in commercial flocks were affected.

Sulz said the disease is highly transmissible. It is carried in feces, feathers and water, and it’s important for the public to be careful and take precaution.

“It is a virus, so you can’t necessary get rid of it, but you can try to keep your place safe, so if someone is coming in, don’t allow them to be close to your poultry or your other birds you would have and that sort of thing, and just keeping everything clean and tidy and dispose of anything [like] manure and all that,” said Sulz.

In addition, she recommends that when visiting other farms, stay away from the flock, clean your vehicle and tires, and if handling your own chickens, sanitize your rubber boots, hands and gloves.

She says not to be fearful, but to be mindful and aware of what’s coming to the province.

If you see any signs of the disease, please report them to your flock veterinarian, the CFIA at 403-338-5225, or the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian at 780-427-3448 or 1-800-524-0051.

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