Human AI Case in B.C.
In a recent release from the Government of British Columbia they report on the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C. “This is also the first detection of a presumed human case of AI H5 acquired in Canada. The positive test for H5 was performed at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control's Public-Health Laboratory. Samples are being sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing.
A teenager from the Fraser Health region is receiving care at BC Children's Hospital. A public-health investigation has been initiated to determine the source of exposure and identify any contacts.”
"Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this difficult time," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial officer of health. "This is a rare event, and while it is the first detected case of H5 in a person in B.C. or in Canada, there have been a small number of human cases in the U.S. and elsewhere, which is why we are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C."
Source: B.C. Government release
Prevention measures from Pro-Med
To protect yourself against avian influenza, the following prevention measures are recommended:
- Heighten bio-security measures for your flock.
- Stay up to date on all your (family and employees) immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine.
- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
- Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces (poo).
- Report dead or sick birds or animals.
- For poultry or livestock, contact the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CFIA) Animal Health office in your specific region: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/about-cfia/contact-cfia-office-telephone#bc-animal
Also in British Columbia:
- For pets, contact your veterinarian or call the BC Animal Health Centre at 1-800-661-9903
- For wild birds, contact the BC Wild Bird Mortality Line: 1-866-431-2473
- For wild mammals, contact the BC Wildlife Health Program: 1-250-751-7246
Source: ProMed
AI Advice from Chicken Farmers of Canada: Biosecurity is the Best Defense
“The best defense against AI and other pathogens, as always, is good biosecurity:
Vigilance in implementing good biosecurity on farms, each day, is important for protecting not only your flocks, but those of your neighboring farms as well.
Minimize direct contact between poultry farms and prevent contact with wild birds.
Avoid non-essential personnel entries to your farm premises and barns.
Change footwear when entering the Restricted Area and prevent wearing contaminated clothing and equipment in production areas.
Closely monitor flock health, including mortalities, feed and water consumption, and abnormal bird behaviour.
Immediately consult your veterinarian in cases of unexplained mortality or flock illness; submit unexplained mortalities for testing.
Do not handle dead wild birds. Report dead wild bird sightings to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, cwhc-rcsf.ca.”
Source: Chicken Farmers of Canada
For more information on livestock, poultry and farmer health and disease prevention, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!