The Ministry of Agriculture reminds poultry producers with flocks of all sizes to follow all the necessary biosafety protocols to keep their flocks free of disease after the detection of H5I strain of avian influenza (HPAI) in highly pathogenic pathogens. Samples collected from a goose found near Elrose were confirmed positive for HPAI by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This confirmation follows HPAI detection in poultry and wild birds in the United States and several provinces in Canada. The last time the HPAI was found in Saskatchewan in either commercial poultry or wild birds was 2007. The protection of commercial flocks includes preventive measures such as keeping wild birds away from poultry flocks and providing them with food and water, restricting visitors and monitoring bird health. Producers should contact their veterinarian immediately if they have concerns about the health of their herds. If HPAI is suspected, producers should also contact the local office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Small flocks are considered to be at high risk for HPAI infection, as they are more often bred extensively, e.g. access to pens or free range grazing is allowed. This means that there is a high probability of contact with wild birds or environments visited by wild birds that may have been infected with the HPAI virus. Small herd owners are encouraged to keep their birds indoors, if possible, during this period of high risk of wild bird migration and to follow the same measures indicated for commercial flocks. Typically, avian influenza strains do not cause obvious signs of disease in wild birds. However, this H5 strain has led to deaths in some species of wild birds, including snow geese and Canadian geese, as well as some predators. As migratory birds return to Saskatchewan, report any sick or dead birds to the Department of the Environment for assistance with monitoring efforts. If you find any of the following, please contact the Research Center at 1-800-567-4224 or at [email protected]:
Clusters of two or more dead waterfowl (eg ducks, geese) or other waterfowl. Dead birds of prey or scavengers of birds (eg crows, ravens, gulls). Predators, aquatic or scavengers of birds that appear to be sick. Large groups of dead birds (eg more than 50) of any kind.
References can also be made to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 306-966-5815 or at cwhc.wildlifesubmisisons.org. Although the risk of transmission to humans is considered low, humans should not touch dead birds or other wild animals with their bare hands. Goggles and masks are recommended as an extra precaution. Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Birds should be placed in a plastic bag before submission. This HPAI strain does not pose a risk to food safety. Regular food safety and hygiene precautions must be observed when preparing wild game. Hunters should avoid eating birds that are obviously sick. Anyone with further questions regarding avian influenza in poultry can contact the Veterinary Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture at 1-306-787-2150. -30- For more information, contact: Angela HallAgricultureReginaTelephone: 306-787-2359Email: [email protected] Chris HodgesEnvironmentReginaTelephone: 306-787-0143Email: [email protected]
