Canada - British Columbia: HP H5N2 Avian Influenza confirmed on 12 farms in Fraser Valley - HP H5N1 avian influenza confirmed on a non-commercial farm in Chilliwack

[Gert van der Hoek]

Avian Influenza Confirmed on Two Farms in Fraser Valley

12/02/2014 |

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec 2, 2014) -

Preliminary testing by the Province of British Columbia has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on two farms in the Fraser Valley; a turkey farm in Abbotsford and a broiler breeder farm in Chilliwack.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has placed the two farms under quarantine to control disease spread and the industry sector has been notified to adopt enhanced biosecurity practices. Further testing by the CFIA is underway to confirm pathogenicity and to determine the precise subtype and strain of the virus. Pathogenicity refers to the severity of the illness caused in birds. Results are expected within days.

4-traders

Location of Fraser Valley Regional District in British Columbia

wikipedia

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Canada, BC: H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on Two Farms in Fraser Valley

Thousands of birds dead from avian flu in B.C.


Jesse Tahirali, CTVNews.ca
Published Tuesday, December 2, 2014 4:11PM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, December 2, 2014 5:32PM EST

Two poultry farms in British Columbia have been placed under quarantine after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed Tuesday an avian flu outbreak.

At a turkey farm in Abbotsford, B.C., half of the barn?s 11,000 birds have already died from the disease, according to Jane Pritchard, B.C.?s chief veterinary officer. At a second farm about eight kilometres away in Chilliwack, B.C., 1,000 of the farm?s 7,000 birds have died.

Pritchard told reporters Tuesday the remaining birds would be euthanized using carbon dioxide gas, then ?composted? in the barn so the disease would not escape the building or go airborne. The CFIA will also oversee the disinfection of the barns, vehicles and tools once the infected animals are disposed of.
...

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/thousan...#ixzz3KmoXIYtQ

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Canada, BC: H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on Two Farms in Fraser Valley

Avian influenza confirmed on two farms in Fraser Valley

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 1:47 PM


Print
(disponible en fran?ais en bas de page)

VICTORIA - Preliminary testing by the Province of British Columbia has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on two farms in the Fraser Valley; a turkey farm in Abbotsford and a broiler breeder farm in Chilliwack.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has placed the two farms under quarantine to control disease spread and the industry sector has been notified to adopt enhanced biosecurity practices. Further testing by the CFIA is underway to confirm pathogenicity and to determine the precise subtype and strain of the virus. Pathogenicity refers to the severity of the illness caused in birds. Results are expected within days.

Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. Public health authorities stand ready to take precautionary measures as warranted.

Initial tests for the disease were conducted on Dec. 1 at a British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture laboratory in Abbotsford, after both operations experienced sudden deaths of birds over the weekend.

All birds on the infected premises will be humanely euthanized and disposed of, in accordance with provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease control guidelines. As lead response agency the CFIA will ensure the quarantine of the infected farms, and determine a surrounding surveillance zone for further testing. The CFIA will also lead on required depopulation of birds, while the Province will provide technical support on required carcass disposal. Once all birds have been removed, the CFIA will oversee the cleaning and disinfection of the barns, vehicles, equipment and tools to eliminate any infectious material that may remain.

The Province of British Columbia, the CFIA, the owners of the infected birds, and the poultry industry are working closely together to manage the situation. Both levels of government will work with the poultry industry to address issues as they emerge. The Canadian poultry sector currently practises a high level of biosecurity that reduces the risk of disease spread.

Media Contacts:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613 773-6600

Dave Townsend
British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (cell)

COMMUNIQU?

Pr?sence confirm?e de l'influenza aviaire dans deux exploitations de la vall?e du Fraser

VICTORIA - Des analyses pr?liminaires effectu?es par la province de la Colombie‑Britannique ont permis de confirmer la pr?sence de l'influenza aviaire H5 dans deux exploitations de la vall?e du Fraser, soit un ?levage de dindons d'Abbotsford et un ?levage de poulets ? griller de Chilliwack.

L'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA) a mis les deux exploitations en quarantaine afin de contr?ler la propagation de la maladie et l'industrie a ?t? avis?e d'adopter des pratiques de bios?curit? renforc?es. L'ACIA m?ne actuellement d'autres analyses afin de confirmer la pathog?nicit? et de d?terminer la souche et le sous‑type exacts du virus. La pathog?nicit? repr?sente la gravit? de la maladie qu'elle cause chez les oiseaux. Les r?sultats devraient ?tre connus d'ici quelques jours.

Les virus d'influenza aviaire ne posent aucun risque pour la salubrit? des aliments lorsque la volaille et les produits connexes sont manipul?s et cuits correctement. L'influenza aviaire touche rarement les humains, qui n'ont pas eu de contact coh?rent avec des oiseaux infect?s. N?anmoins, les autorit?s en mati?re de sant? publique sont pr?tes ? prendre les mesures pr?ventives qui s'imposent.

Les premi?res analyses de d?pistage de la maladie ont ?t? r?alis?es le 1er d?cembre dans un laboratoire du minist?re de l'Agriculture de la Colombie‑Britannique situ? ? Abbotsford, apr?s que des oiseaux soient morts subitement au cours de la fin de semaine dans les deux exploitations.

Tous les oiseaux pr?sents dans les exploitations infect?es seront euthanasi?s sans cruaut? et ?limin?s conform?ment aux r?glements environnementaux provinciaux et aux lignes directrices sur la lutte contre la maladie reconnues ? l'?chelle internationale. ? titre d'organisme d'intervention responsable, l'ACIA veillera ? la mise en quarantaine des exploitations infect?es et d?terminera une zone de surveillance avoisinante ? des fins d'analyses suppl?mentaires. En outre, elle dirigera l'abattage int?gral obligatoire des oiseaux, tandis que la province offrira un soutien technique pour l'?limination obligatoire des carcasses. Lorsque tous les oiseaux auront ?t? retir?s, l'ACIA assurera la supervision des activit?s de nettoyage et de d?sinfection des b?timents, des v?hicules, de l'?quipement et des outils pour ?liminer tout mat?riel infectieux qui pourrait rester.

La province de la Colombie‑Britannique, l'ACIA, les propri?taires des oiseaux infect?s et l'industrie de la volaille collaborent ?troitement afin de g?rer la situation. Les deux ordres de gouvernement travailleront de concert avec l'industrie de la volaille afin de r?gler les probl?mes ? mesure qu'ils surviennent. L'industrie canadienne de la volaille applique actuellement un niveau ?lev? de bios?curit? qui att?nue les risques de propagation de la maladie.

Renseignements additionels:

Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments Relations avec les m?dias
613 773 6600

Dave Townsend
Minist?re de l'Agriculture de la Colombie Britannique
250 356 7098
250 889 5945 (t?l?phone cellulaire)

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/12/avian-influenza-confirmed-on-two-farms-in-fraser-valley.html

[sharon sanders]

Re: Canada : H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on Two Farms in Fraser Valley - British Columbia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Valley#mediaviewer/File:FraserRiverBritishColumbia_Location.png

[sharon sanders]

Re: Canada : H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on 4 Farms in Fraser Valley - British Columbia

Helen Branswell @HelenBranswell ? 22s 23 seconds ago
#CFIA says 2 more farms under quarantine in British Columbia after discovery of an H5 avian #flu virus. No results yet on pathogenticity.

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada : H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on 4 Farms in Fraser Valley - British Columbia

UPDATE 1-
Asian markets restrict Canadian poultry after bird flu outbreak

Rod Nickel
56 Mins AgoReuters

Dec 3 (Reuters) - ...

South Korea has banned imports of Canadian chicks, Hong Kong and Taiwan have imposed trade restrictions on British Columbia poultry and poultry products, and Japan has imposed trade restrictions on British Columbia chicks as well as all Canadian poultry products, Patrick Girard, spokesman for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, said in an email to Reuters.
...
The United States has not imposed trade restrictions, Girard said. He said it was too early to estimate the economic impact of the disease.
...
Canada said on Tuesday that tests had found H5 avian influenza, also called bird flu, on two British Columbia farms that raise turkeys and broiler chickens. Two more broiler farms in the West Coast province that are suspected of containing the virus have been placed under quarantine, Canada's chief veterinary officer, Harpreet Kochhar, said on Wednesday.
...
Canada has not determined the subtype and pathogenicity - or severity - of the virus found on the two farms. Canada previously detected H5N2 bird flu viruses in 2010 and 2004-05, Kochhar said.
...

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102237390

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada : H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed on 4 Farms in Fraser Valley - British Columbia

Updated
Avian flu quarantine expands to 4 Fraser Valley farms

World markets react with trade bans on B.C. poultry products

CBC News Posted: Dec 03, 2014 1:27 PM PT Last Updated: Dec 03, 2014 3:02 PM PT

Two more Fraser Valley poultry farms have been placed under quarantine as a precaution to contain the spread of avian flu, said Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials Wednesday.

The newly quarantined farms are located in Abbotsford and Chilliwack between two farms where avian flu was announced Tuesday. All the birds at both farms will be destroyed, and the farmers will be compensated.

Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada, said avian flu has not yet been detected at the new farms.

"Sampling and testing is underway for these additional premises," he said.
...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/avian-flu-quarantine-expands-to-4-fraser-valley-farms-1.2859354

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

CFIA continues avian influenza investigation in British Columbia

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation into an outbreak of avian influenza on two farms in British Columbia's Fraser Valley.

The two farms continue to be under quarantine to control disease spread, and two additional farms in the Fraser Valley have been placed under quarantine today. These farms were determined to be at high risk since they received birds from one of the original farms. Birds on these new farms were also showing signs of illness.

As avian influenza is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, it is possible that additional at-risk farms may be identified in the coming days. Poultry farmers are encouraged to report any suspicious symptoms to the CFIA.

The CFIA will continue to advise the public and the poultry industry if additional farms are confirmed to be affected.

Testing continues in order to confirm pathogenicity. Results are expected within days.

In the coming days, the CFIA will humanely euthanize and dispose of all birds on the infected premises in accordance with provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease control guidelines.

When animals affected by a disease are ordered destroyed by the CFIA under the Health of Animals Act, the farmer is also informed that they will receive compensation. The CFIA is dedicated to working directly with affected producers so that the compensation process runs as smoothly as possible.

For animals ordered destroyed, the CFIA bases compensation amounts on the animal's market value (up to a maximum amount as stipulated in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations), taking into consideration factors such as genetic background, age and production records. For example, a normal eating chicken is assigned a rate of $20 per bird, a breeding chicken is $1200 per bird, a turkey is $70 per bird, and a breeding turkey is $1050 per bird. Please refer to the Schedule in the Regulations for accurate amounts.

Normally, a producer can expect compensation in 6 to 10 weeks.

Beyond the CFIA's compensation, other financial assistance may be available through programs administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and, in some cases, provincial or territorial governments. Costs and losses considered by these programs may include business disruption and other extraordinary costs incurred due to disease.

Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. Public health authorities stand ready to take precautionary measures as warranted.

The CFIA has mobilized all available resources to manage this situation. The Agency continues to work closely with the Province of British Columbia, the owners of the infected birds, and the poultry industry to manage this outbreak.

Date modified:
2014-12-03

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/statement-2014-12-03/eng/1417644590985/1417644674399

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

<table class="TableChoisir" width="70%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td> <table width="90%"><tbody><tr><td valign="center" width="*" align="left">Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
Canada
</td><td width="1%" align="right"> <form> </form>
</td></tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr><td> <table class="TableChoisir" width="90%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="topbigtabletitle27"> Information received on 03/12/2014 from Dr Martine Dubuc, OIE Delegate for Canada, Chief Food Safety Officer Vice-President, Science Branch, Health Ministry, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Canada </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td></tr> <tr><td> Summary
<table class="TableFoyers" width="60%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Report type</td> <td width="30%">Immediate notification</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Date of start of the event</td> <td width="30%">30/11/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Date of pre-confirmation of the event</td> <td width="30%">01/12/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Report date</td> <td width="30%">03/12/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Date submitted to OIE</td> <td width="30%">03/12/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Reason for notification</td> <td width="30%">Reoccurrence of a listed disease</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Date of previous occurrence</td> <td width="30%">01/2008</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Manifestation of disease</td> <td width="30%">Clinical disease</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Causal agent</td> <td width="30%">Avian influenza virus</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Serotype</td> <td width="30%">H5</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">Nature of diagnosis</td> <td width="30%">Laboratory (advanced)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th" width="10%">This event pertains to</td> <td width="30%">the whole country</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td></tr> <tr> <td> New outbreaks (2)
<table class="TableFoyers"> </table>
</td> </tr><tr><td> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left" align="left">Outbreak 1 (BC-2014-NAI-002)</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Abbotsford, BRITISH COLUMBIA</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Date of start of the outbreak</td> <td class="">30/11/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Outbreak status</td> <td class="">Continuing (or date resolved not provided)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Epidemiological unit</td> <td class="">Farm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Affected animals</td> <td class=""> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Species</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Susceptible</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Cases</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Deaths</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Destroyed</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Slaughtered</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Birds </td> <td class="ta_right">11000</td> <td class="ta_right">5500</td> <td class="ta_right">5500</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Affected population</td> <td class="">Meat turkey farm 83 days of age</td> </tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr><tr><td> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left" align="left">Outbreak 2 (BC-2014-NAI-001)</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Chilliwack, BRITISH COLUMBIA</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Date of start of the outbreak</td> <td class="">30/11/2014</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Outbreak status</td> <td class="">Continuing (or date resolved not provided)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Epidemiological unit</td> <td class="">Farm</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Affected animals</td> <td class=""> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Species</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Susceptible</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Cases</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Deaths</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Destroyed</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Slaughtered</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Birds </td> <td class="ta_right">7000</td> <td class="ta_right">700</td> <td class="ta_right">700</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Affected population</td> <td class="">Chicken broiler breeder farm (3 barns). The affected barn holds a flock of 24 weeks of age. Two adjacent barns, not affected, one with a flock of 47 weeks of age and one of a 1 week old pullet flock.</td> </tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr><tr><td> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left" align="left">Summary of outbreaks</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Total outbreaks: 2</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Total animals affected</td> <td class=""> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Species</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Susceptible</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Cases</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Deaths</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Destroyed</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Slaughtered</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Birds</td> <td class="ta_right">18000</td> <td class="ta_right">6200</td> <td class="ta_right">6200</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> <td class="ta_right">0</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Outbreak statistics</td> <td class=""> <table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Species</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Apparent morbidity rate</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Apparent mortality rate</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Apparent case fatality rate</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_center last">Proportion susceptible animals lost*</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Birds</td> <td class="ta_right">34.44%</td> <td class="ta_right">34.44%</td> <td class="ta_right">100.00%</td> <td class="ta_right">34.44%</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="filtrer_th ta_left">*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</td></tr> <tr> <td> Epidemiology
<table class="TableFoyers"><tbody><tr><td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection</td> <td class="">

• Unknown or inconclusive

</td></tr> <tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Epidemiological comments</td> <td class="">Important note: Although this event is reported as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), full subtyping and pathogenicity index (IVPI) are not yet completed. Reporting as HPAI is based on preliminary testing and clinical signs. Sudden high mortality (10% in outbreak in Chilliwack and 50% in outbreak in Abbotsford) within 24-48 hrs. Preliminary testing done at the British Columbia Provincial Laboratory indicates presence of H5 avian influenza virus. Additional testing currently underway at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD).</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td></tr> <tr><td>
</td></tr> <tr><td> Control measures
<table class="TableFoyers"><tbody><tr><td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Measures applied</td><td class="">

• Quarantine
• Vaccination prohibited
• No treatment of affected animals

</td></tr><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Measures to be applied</td> <td class="">

• Stamping out
• Movement control inside the country
• Screening
• Zoning
• Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

</td></tr> </tbody></table> </td></tr> <tr><td> Diagnostic test results
<table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Laboratory name and type</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Species</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Test</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left">Test date</td> <td class="filtrer_th ta_left last">Result</td> </tr><tr> <td class="filtrer_td">Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture (Local laboratory)</td> <td class="filtrer_td">Birds</td> <td class="filtrer_td">real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR)</td> <td class="filtrer_td">01/12/2014</td> <td class="filtrer_td cb-centree last">Positive</td> </tr></tbody></table> </td></tr> <tr><td> Future Reporting
<table class="TableFoyers"> <tbody><tr> <td class="filtrer_td">The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

.../

http://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=16660

</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

[Treyfish]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

...Of particular concern is whether the virus is the dangerous H5N1 strain or H5N8, which is currently affecting farms in the Netherlands.
The outbreak began earlier this week at a turkey farm in Abbotsford and a chicken farm in Chilliwack, where birds at both sites tested positive for H5 avian influenza.
A combined total of 18,000 birds at the farms have either died or will be euthanized, and Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan have all imposed varying restrictions on poultry from B.C. and Canada....http://www.theprogress.com/national/284720341.html

[Treyfish]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

..On Wednesday, Kochhar said two further farms are under quarantine and "it's possible more farms may be added in the coming days."
Both the two new broiler chicken farms under quarantine received birds on Friday directly from the Chilliwack farm where the disease was discovered on the weekend. One of those new farms is in Chilliwack, the other is in Abbotsford...http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/284521181.html

[Treyfish]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

good maphttps://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...E.kNrYhM610TgA

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

Tests confirm B.C. avian flu as H5N2: source

by Canadian Press - BC Local News
posted Dec 4, 2014 at 5:40 AM? updated Dec 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM

By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER - Tests results have confirmed the strain of avian influenza that has killed poultry on at least two farms in southwestern British Columbia is H5N2.

A turkey farm and a chicken farm located in the Fraser Valley were placed under quarantine earlier this week after the H5 virus was detected, but officials were still awaiting confirmation of the specific subtype.

A source tells The Canadian Press that the virus is H5N2, which has also been involved in previous outbreaks in Canada.

In 2010, an H5N2 avian flu in Manitoba at a turkey breeder farm led to the destruction of 8,200 birds, and a similar outbreak in the Fraser Valley in 2009 prompted thousands of birds to be destroyed at two farms.
...

http://www.kelownacapnews.com/national/284720341.html

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: HP H5 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

A source tells The Canadian Press that tests have determined the virus is a high-pathogenicity, or high-path, strain of H5N2.

Leader-Post

[Pathfinder]

Re: Canada - British Columbia: HP H5N2 Avian Influenza confirmed on 2 farms in Fraser Valley - two more poultry farms placed under quarantine

Avian influenza in Fraser Valley confirmed as H5N2 virus

OTTAWA, December 4, 2014

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)'s testing at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases has confirmed the strain causing the avian influenza outbreak on two farms in the Fraser Valley as a highly-pathogenic H5N2 virus.

The Province of British Columbia has informed the CFIA that preliminary test results from the two additional farms that were quarantined yesterday are presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza. The CFIA will conduct further confirmatory testing.

Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. Any illness would be mild. Public health authorities are ready to take precautionary measures as required.

H5N2 is a subtype that is known to affect wild and domestic birds. A highly pathogenic virus causes severe illness and death in birds, particularly poultry, whereas a low pathogenic virus causes less severe illness and lower rates or mortality.

A low-pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza virus caused outbreaks in Manitoba in 2010 and British Columbia in 2009.

All birds on the infected premises will be humanely euthanized in the coming days, under CFIA supervision. When animals affected by a disease are ordered destroyed by the CFIA under the Health of Animals Act, the farmer is also informed that they will receive compensation. The CFIA is dedicated to working directly with affected producers so that the compensation process runs as smoothly as possible.

As the CFIA's investigation progresses, any additional control measures will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Poultry farmers are reminded to practice a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of disease spread, and report any suspicious symptoms in their flocks to the CFIA.

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=912029&crtr.tp1D=1