The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has detected Avian Influenza within the Kootenays, commonly known as “bird flu”.
“Bird flu” is a contagious viral infection that can affect several species of food producing birds as well as pet birds and wild birds.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently responding to cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds across the country, encouraging anyone with birds to practice good biosecurity habits to protect poultry and prevent disease.
BC poultry and livestock owners and commingling site operators must register with the Premises ID program, at no cost to take part.
The Premises ID program improves the ministry’s ability to:
- Notify animal owners
- Contain pest and animal disease outbreaks
- Respond to natural disasters like floods or fires
For information about the ongoing avian influenza response:
· BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food: Avian Influenza (gov.bc.ca)
· Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)
For support with permits and movement control permissions:
- Avian Influenza permits and movement control: CFIA AI permits and conditions needed for movement control
- Small flock owners can call the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s hotline at 1-888-221-7141, 8:30am – 4:30pm PT (Mon-Fri, excluding stat. holidays)
- Commercial poultry owners can contact their marketing board
There are currently 44 infected properties across the province.
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