What is avian influenza and how does it affect poultry farms in Ontario?

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral disease affecting various bird species. In Ontario, outbreaks like the one in North Perth can lead to significant economic losses and require depopulation of affected flocks.

How is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) responding to the North Perth bird flu outbreak?

The CFIA has declared the outbreak, is overseeing the humane depopulation of affected turkeys, and has established a primary control zone around Listowel to prevent further spread.

Can humans contract avian influenza (bird flu) from infected poultry?

While rare, humans can contract avian influenza through close, sustained contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments, such as farmworkers may experience.

Home / Environment / Ontario Poultry Farm Hit by Avian Flu Outbreak

Ontario Poultry Farm Hit by Avian Flu Outbreak

18 Dec

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Summary

Avian influenza detected at a commercial poultry farm in North Perth.
Approximately 56,000 turkeys affected by the highly pathogenic strain.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is managing the outbreak zone.

A commercial poultry farm in North Perth has been identified with an avian influenza outbreak, affecting around 56,000 turkeys. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, which is known for its rapid spread among domestic poultry.

To curb the virus's dissemination, the CFIA has initiated a primary control zone near Listowel. This measure restricts the movement of birds, their products, and by-products within the designated area until the disease is no longer a threat. The CFIA emphasizes the importance of biosecurity for poultry producers.

This North Perth incident is part of a larger trend, with multiple avian flu outbreaks currently active across Ontario and Canada. The CFIA notes that while H5N1 primarily affects birds, it can, on rare occasions, transmit to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.