The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is establishing avian influenza control zones across several municipal jurisdictions in southern Ontario following multiple cases of the highly infectious pathogen being reported in both domestic poultry and wild fowl.
Two Ontario turkey flocks were confirmed to be infected with the bird flu on March 27-28, according to the CFIA’s website listing cases in the country, but as of mid-day Tuesday, the page hasn’t been updated since March 29.
According to information provided to the Western Producer by CFIA Tuesday morning, two “avian influenza control zones” have been established outside of London, Ont., and Kitchener, Ont.
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Peterborough, Ont., which is located approximately 140 kilometres from the nearest control zone, also reported on Monday that the bird flue has been found on a fifth farm located outside the city.
“In March 2022, HPAI H5N1 virus was detected in Ontario in wild and commercial poultry,” read a release from Peterborough Public Health. “Its spread has been primarily attributed to the migration of infected waterfowl.”
On March 24, CFIA issued a notice to the industry of restrictions of live birds, bird products and byproducts from U.S. states that have been affected by avian influenza.
Those include Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
There have also been reports of wild fowl near Kingston and in Ottawa found to be infected with the bird flu.
Contact alex.mccuaig@producer.com
