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Avian flu has been detected in three flocks, including in Manitoba and Alberta, following an outbreak at a national poultry show in Saskatchewan earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has told CBC News.
Three cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected in the Prairie provinces and “additional cases may be confirmed as the disease investigation proceeds,” the CFIA statement says.
The agency is encouraging people who brought or took home birds at the event to immediately contact the agency.
One of the show’s organizers says the outbreak has devastated breeders.
“It’s kind of like the opposite of winning the lottery. You don’t ever expect it, but it could come anywhere,” said Rob McCulloch who helped organize the Canadian National Poultry Show held on Nov. 7 in Moose Jaw through the Saskatchewan Poultry Association.
McCulloch says he knows of breeders who have had to put down 500 and 700 birds, and he had to cull his own flock of 40 after working on a breed for a decade.
“It’s very depressing. I’ve actually started a private chat for the people that were involved to help console each other,” he said.
McCulloch says he’s never experienced an outbreak of bird flu at a show he’s organized.
If people did not bring or take birds but have birds at home, they should monitor them for signs of illness and contact the CFIA if they see any, the letter says.
A domestic cat has died after contracting the highly pathogenic avian flu in southeast Saskatchewan. While there’s a low risk of transmission to humans, pet owners are urged to protect their animals from potential exposure.
“Year-round good biosecurity is important but there is always increased risk during the fall and spring migrations of wild birds,” the statement says.
Symptoms of HPAI can include birds becoming lethargic, refusing to eat, or suffering respiratory changes. Death is possible.
