Another avian influenza outbreak has been detected in a small flock on Gabriola Island.
The district confirmed Thursday that a day earlier, a backyard flock on the island tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus.
It’s the second outbreak detected on Vancouver Island after a small flock tested positive in the Comox Valley more than a month ago.
The Regional District of Nanaimo says the premises where the virus was detected was placed under quarantine back in late April after it was identified as possibly harbouring avian flu.
“The CFIA and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food continue to implement additional response measures to address the situation,” it said in a statement.
CHEK News has reached out to the CFIA and the ministry for further information.
The BC Poultry Association says this backyard flock wasn’t protected the way commercial flocks are.
“They were not well sheltered. They were in contact with other wild birds and migratory waterfowl and such that we know have been carrying the virus and most of those that the owner had become sick and did not make it,” said Ray Nickel.
Somerset Farm, located on Gabriola Island, says it has been quarantined as a different farm on the island deals with the outbreak.
The farm would normally be taking 500 baby turkeys or poults this next week to be raised free-range for the thanksgiving holiday but an outbreak of the avian bird flu in a small backyard chicken flock not far away has them now facing a number of restrictions.
“It’s a sad thing for us cause for the first time since 1948 that we haven’t set a flock of turkeys so at this time it restricts the thanksgiving flock. We’re hoping in time for our Christmas flock that the restrictions will lift,” said Alexa Boulton, a Somerset Farm owner.
Most outbreaks presumably occur through contact with infected migrating wild birds, the ministry said.
It has asked owners of small or backyard flocks to take measures to prevent their birds from coming into contact with wild birds, reduce human access to the flock and increase cleaning, disinfection and sanitization of all items when entering areas where flocks are housed.
“Do not take sick birds off the property. If a flock is suffering from any unexplained clinical signs or increased mortality, bird owners should contact a professional for help and sampling,” the district said.
According to the CFIA, signs of avian flu include:
- a drop in production of eggs, many of which are soft-shelled or shell-less
- diarrhea
- haemorrhages on the hock
- high and sudden mortality rate
- quietness and extreme depression
- swelling of the skin under the eyes
- wattles and combs become swollen and congested
The BC Poultry Association stresses it is an animal disease, particularly affecting birds.
“It’s very serious for those of us that are farming our poultry but this is not a human health issue and so this does not impact food products,” said Nickel.
Nickel says the best way to support producers through these outbreaks is to continue buying their products.
Including the latest outbreak, there are 15 active outbreaks of avian influenza in British Columbia, according to the CFIA.
CHEK News
