Low Pathogenicity H7 avian influenza virus detected in wild birds

OTTAWA, November 1, 2011: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a low pathogenicity H7 avian influenza virus in wild birds in central and western Canada.

The birds were sampled through Canada’s Inter-Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey, which serves as an early warning system designed to detect avian influenza viruses circulating in the wild that could be transmitted to domestic poultry.

Low pathogenicity influenza viruses commonly circulate in the wild bird population with little or no impact on the health of wild birds or people.

However, H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses are known to have the ability to mutate from low pathogenicity to highly pathogenic forms once introduced into domestic poultry, potentially causing high rates of disease and mortality in birds.

The CFIA is reminding producers and backyard flock owners of the importance of practising biosecurity in order to protect their flocks.

The following key biosecurity measures can help protect poultry health:

• Do not allow poultry or their food and water to have contact with wild birds -- particularly ducks and other wild waterfowl, which are known to be reservoirs for avian influenza viruses.
• Control movements of people, animals, equipment and vehicles on your property.
• If you hunt wild birds, make sure your hands, clothing and footwear are clean before handling your domestic poultry or entering premises where poultry is kept.
• Observe your animals daily for signs of disease.

If you suspect your birds are sick, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, the provincial ministry of agriculture, or a local CFIA office.

For more information on the measures you can take to protect your poultry from diseases, visit www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity or call the CFIA toll-free at 1-800-442-2342.

Canada is located along major migratory flyways. The low pathogenicity H7 virus was identified in healthy live mallards sampled in Manitoba and Saskatchewan during the fall migratory season in the course of regular testing for the Inter-Agency Wild Bird Survey.

For more information on the Inter-Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey, contact the Canadian Cooperative Wild Life Health Centre at 1-866-544-4744 or visit the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre website.

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