H5 avian influenza found in Ontario poultry flock

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Published: December 18, 2024

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Farmers have stepped up biosecurity as the current strain of avian influenza is more transmissible than other outbreaks.

H5 avian influenza has been confirmed on an Ontario premise in the Municipality of Strathroy-Cardoc.

The presence of the virus was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Dec. 16. The infected premise has been placed under quarantine. CFIA will also be establishing specific movement control measures and permitting processes for farms within the 10 kilometre zone.

Currently, there are 84 active HPAI cases in Canadian provinces, affecting approximately 14 million birds. Details on additional premises in other provinces can be found here. HPAI has also been detected in 84 poultry flocks in the United States of America in the last 30 days.
The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) said in a statement that the potential risk of disease transmission is increased due to continued movement of wild birds because of unseasonably warmer weather. Increases in wild bird die offs has also been occurring.

The FBCC is encouraging farmers to follow heightened biosecurity measures and to call their veterinarian immediately and notify their board if their birds show any signs of illness.

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Farmers are also reminded that they should have appropriate biosecurity personal protective equipment (PPE) available for themselves, their employees and anyone entering their premise.
For farmers and industry within the biosecurity advisory area, the CFIA continues to establish Primary Control Zones (PCZ), in the areas where the disease has been identified. The most up-to-date information can be found using the following links:

Permits and movement permissions

Physical road boundary descriptions of Primary Control Zones

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Kristy Nudds

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