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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Animal health order implemented due to avian influenza

Sep 22, 2022 | 2:52 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Saskatchewan has prompted the provincial government to issue an animal health order.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Chief Veterinary Officer issued the order yesterday which limits the transport and comingling of poultry.

The health order prohibits the movement to and participation of birds in shows, auctions, and agricultural fairs, as well as any other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations. The goal is to limit the spread of the virus to new flocks.

The order will be in place until Oct. 21 when it will be reviewed.

Avian influenza (AI) is a federally reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. The virus, commonly known as “bird flu,” affects food-producing birds including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and quails, as well as pet and wild birds.

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Producers should prevent contact between poultry and wild birds, limit visitors to barns, use barn-specific clothing and footwear, and regularly monitoring birds for signs of illness.

All detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada are reported on the CFIA website.

Further information on the animal health order and avian influenza in poultry is also available on the ministry of agriculture website.

Although rare, AI can infect humans. Affected people tend to be those who have close contact with infected birds. While birds suspected of having AI should not be used for food to avoid potentially spreading the virus, there are no concerns with eating meat that has been properly cooked.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW