A commercial poultry operation in Camrose County is in the clear after being flagged as a possible outbreak site for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) two months ago.
The location was given Primary Control Zone status by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Nov. 13, 2024, as HPAI was believed to exist in the area.
CFIA designated all commercial or non-commercial poultry, including day-old poultry, hatching eggs, eggs and other products or by products, as capable of being infected or contaminated by HPAI.
The order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency declaring the primary control zone was revoked on Jan. 8, 2025, as control measures were deemed no longer necessary.
Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect poultry, as well as pet and wild birds and can be passed on to humans. Highly pathogenic viruses typically cause severe illness and mortality in infected animals. (inspection.canada.ca)
According to the Government of Canada, when an avian influenza outbreak is identified, all infected flocks are humanely destroyed, and carcasses are safely disposed of.
In the case of highly pathogenic viruses, flocks in the vicinity of the infected premises and poultry from any operations that may have had contact with the infected premises are also destroyed as a pre-emptive measure.
An infected premises has to be thoroughly disinfected before new birds can be introduced.
Infected premises with avian influenza or other animal diseases are reported to the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHS) from the national database for information sharing purposes.
"This serves as a strong reminder that HPAI is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with birds must practice enhanced bio-security procedures," stated CAHS on their website in the alert for Camrose County.
To check for information about animal disease cases in your area visit their website, cahss.ca.
