CFIA reports more cases of bird flu in Saskatchewan

Bird flu continues to spread in Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported Sunday in a poultry flock in the Rural Municipality of Carmichael, two days after it was detected Friday in a poultry flock in the RM of Morse and in a small flock in the RM of Loreburn.

Those follow cases in a poultry flock in the RM of Loreburn that was reported April 16 and in a small flock in the RM of Moose Creek that was detected April 14.

The CFIA said all of the infected premises have been placed under quarantine.

“CFIA has begun an investigation and will be establishing movement control measures on other farms within that area,” the agency said in a media release.

The virus was first detected in Saskatchewan in a snow goose near Elrose on April 8.

On April 14, Saskatchewan’s chief veterinary officer instituted an animal health control area order to limit the co-mingling of poultry due to the risk of the flu. The order prohibits birds from being taken to and appearing in shows, auctions, agricultural fairs and any other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations.

That order is in effect until May 14.

The provincial government said there isn’t any risk to food safety and the risk of transmission is low. However, people working with chickens suspected of being infected should use protective clothing.

The province said biosecurity is the best tool for poultry producers and small flock owners to protect their birds from avian flu. Biosecurity protocols include keeping wild birds away from poultry flocks and their food and water supply, limiting visitors, and monitoring bird health.

Small flock owners are encouraged to confine their birds indoors, if possible, during wild bird migration.

“AI is spreading in wild bird populations across the globe and presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada,” the agency’s release said. “The CFIA continues to remind anyone with poultry or other susceptible birds to practice good biosecurity habits to protect them from infectious animal diseases.”