Avian Influenza (AI), commonly known as “bird flu”, is a contagious viral infection that can affect many species of food-producing birds, as well as poultry and wild birds. AI viruses can be classified into 2 categories: low pathogenicity viruses (LPAI) and highly pathogenic viruses (HPAI), based on the severity of the disease caused in birds. Owners of backyard herds regardless of size or species, as well as commercial poultry producers should be especially careful and invoke increased biosecurity measures such as:
Keep poultry away from areas frequented by wild birds and wild bird droppings. Maintain strict control over access to poultry farms and your facilities. Make sure the equipment has been cleaned and disinfected before transporting it to poultry farms. Do not keep bird feeders and do not create ponds with ducks near poultry farms. Maintain the highest standards of hygiene. Change shoes and avoid wearing contaminated clothing when entering the poultry house.
In addition to regular biosecurity measures, the following enhanced biosecurity standards should now be applied:
Check access to your farm location by notifying all key visitors, including service providers, input providers and feed providers. Store mortals in safe, covered containers until they are moved to a landfill or off-farm. Place the waste entering the public collection system in a sealed, waterproof bag with the outside disinfected. If possible, keep all the waste on the farm until the situation is resolved.
Backyard hen / small herd owners are reminded that the Backyard Hen Regulation requires owners to enroll all hens in the Ontario Small Flock Chicken Farmers Policy through their Family Feeding Scheme. Registration will ensure that small herd growers receive disease alerts and guidance on protecting their herd. The Family Food Program website also offers guidance on bird health and disease management. Avian influenza viruses, such as the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, can, in rare cases, cause disease in humans. Transmission to humans has occurred when humans have been in close contact with infected birds or highly contaminated environments. Due to the possibility of human infection, it is recommended that people working with poultry suspected of being infected with avian influenza or in contact with such poultry wear protective clothing. This includes face masks, glasses, gloves and boots. Visit the CFIA website to learn more about Avian Influenza. THE ABOVE SUBMITTED BY PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
