Highly pathogenic avian influenza can be a concern for commercial poultry producers, which is why adherence to bio-security measures is necessary, officials say.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Feb. 4 discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza among a Nova Scotia commercial flock, officials in Alberta’s poultry and wildlife sectors say the risk of inter-provincial transmission is low, but advise those in close contact with birds to be mindful of bio-security measures.
“Certainly avian influenza is an agent that’s on our radar, both from the wildlife perspective but also Alberta Agriculture, which oversees the poultry industry,” Dr. Margo Pybus, provincial wildlife disease specialist, told the News. “At this point, there would be no reason to think the outbreak which was identified in Nova Scotia changes the risk in Alberta (as) it is both federally and provincially monitored.”
Avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus, which can infect both wild and domesticated birds. While avian influenza poses little risk to humans, it can be deadly to birds, depending on the strain.
Pybus believes there’s no immediate concern for Alberta’s wild birds and maintains the risk is low for commercial flocks, but encourages producers to continue to adhere to bio-security measures.
“In some situations, if the bacterium is transferred to domestic poultry, it can become pathogenic and is a serious concern for the poultry industry,” said Pybus. “The primary precautions are for the poultry operations to make sure their bio-safety and bio-security measures are in place.”
Lisa Bishop-Spencer, director of brand and communications with Chicken Farmers of Canada, echos Pybus’s advice.
“Once we know there is highly pathogenic influenza in the neighbourhood, then farmers need to do what they can to ensure it doesn’t get in (such as) taking extra bio-security measures,” Bishop-Spencer told the News. “Things like making sure whoever comes onto your farm signs in and signs out, making sure you have signage around your property indicating it is private property (so) people can’t just walk up to the farm gate or walk into the barn for any reason (and) trying to keep birds indoors is a huge factor.”
Bishop-Spencer recommends producers change footwear when entering a barn or coop, so no outside contaminants are brought in. She also encourages producers to reference provincial bio-security directives.
As for consumers, Bishop-Spencer hopes they will continue supporting efforts of poultry producers.
“Consumers need to know that avian influenza is not a food safety issue; it’s an animal welfare issue,” she said. “There is no risk of avian influenza when it comes to consuming poultry and egg products.”
