Saskatchewan Agriculture’s chief veterinary officer is issuing an animal health order to help limit the spread of avian influenza.
Effective until at least Oct. 21, the order prohibits movement of birds across the province for auctions, agricultural fairs and other events where any bird might be brought together from multiple locations.
The response comes after four commercial operations and one small flock reported positive cases of bird flu in September.
Read Also
Trade war may create Canadian economic opportunities
Canada’s current tariff woes could open chances for long-term economic growth and a stronger Canadian economy, consultant says — It’s happened before.
British Columbia has also seen a spike in farms reporting cases, primarily in small flocks with three reporting cases in September, as well as one commercial operation in Chilliwack.
B.C. has launched a series of information sessions led by provincial government veterinary specialists going over tips to improve biosecurity measures and recognition of symptoms of avian influenza.
In Alberta, a dozen outbreaks have been reported since the beginning of September primarily in commercial operations stretching from Athabasca County, 150 kilometres north of Edmonton, to Warner County along the Alberta-Montana border.
That’s in addition to two cases reported in late-August.
In a statement from Alberta Agriculture, the provincial order limiting co-mingling of birds from different areas of the province expired on June 20 after several weeks of no new cases.
“Based on the latest cases, a similar order is of little value, and more emphasis is being placed on biosecurity and keeping birds indoors,” read the statement. “To that effect, we have sent a notice to producers to move their birds indoors to prevent possible infection, along with previous updates emphasizing biosecurity.”
Manitoba has also seen a sharp rise in farms reporting cases of avian influenza with five commercial operations reporting cases in September after a spring in which one commercial operation and one small flock affected.
This spring saw Alberta receive the brunt of Canada’s avian influenza outbreak with more than 1.2 million birds being affected by the virus largely suspected of being spread by migrating birds. Saskatchewan saw more than 300,000 birds impacted, while B.C. reported 183,000 cases and Manitoba 35,000.
Contact alex.mccuaig@producer.com
