As a result, the owners of all commercial poultry flocks in BC. with more than 100 birds have been ordered to relocate their activities indoors until the end of the spring migration season in May. The North Okanagan Farm Avian Influenza Investigation is being conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in collaboration with the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture. “Advisers to all poultry owners, including poultry owners in the yard, to increase biosafety practices and to be vigilant and watch for signs of bird flu in their herds,” Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Poppam said in a statement. “If bird flu is suspected, poultry producers should contact their local veterinarian or provincial Animal Health Center immediately for advice and information,” Popham said. “The risk to public health is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety.” Avian influenza can be transmitted from bird to bird through secretions and persons and indirectly through human movement, contaminated feed, water and equipment. Birds infected with bird flu may lack energy, movement and appetite. produce fewer eggs. have swelling around the head; panting for air or sneezing; show terror and lack of coordination. “Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza, except in a limited number of cases where people have been in close contact with infected birds,” says a disease information page on the CFIA website. When bird flu is detected, the federal agency will usually quarantine the farm without allowing the movement of birds or bird products. The birds are destroyed, with compensation to the operator and enhanced cleaning protocols are applied. In some cases, to prevent the spread of transmission, poultry in commercial activities within one kilometer can also be destroyed to prevent transmission.
