WattAgNet: Ontario turkey flock infected with avian influenza

Avian influenza outbreak marks first for the Canadian province
Release Date: 2015-04-07
A turkey flock near Woodstock, Ontario, has been infected with avian influenza. 
Preliminary testing by the Province of Ontario has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on a turkey farm near Woodstock, Ontario.

This marks the first case of avian influenza in Ontario and the first in Canada in several months. Eleven commercial chicken and turkey farms in British Columbia had confirmed cases in December 2014, but it has been about two months since that province has had any confirmed cases. No other provinces have yet had any confirmed avian influenza cases.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has placed the farm, and a neighboring farm, under quarantine to control the spread of the virus, 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. Results are expected within days.

Initial tests for the disease were conducted on April 5 at the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, after the turkey farm experienced sudden deaths of birds over several days.

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 farm, and determine a surrounding surveillance zone for further testing and movement control measures. 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 Ontario, the CFIA, the owner 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 practices a high level of biosecurity that reduces the risk of disease spread.

Ontario borders the U.S. state of Minnesota, which to date has had seven confirmed cases of avian influenza at commercial turkey farms.

Track the latest avian influenza cases on your computer or mobile device with WATTAgNet's interactive avian influenza outbreaks map. Filter the map by bird species infected, AI strain, type of operation, region and date confirmed.