AGRICULTURE. Prevention, surveillance and control measures are recommended for all farms to limit the spread of the avian influenza virus.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are issuing this notice on the sidelines of the first two cases of avian flu in Quebec. These infections were detected in Estrie, more particularly in a commercial poultry farm (Canards du Lac Brome in Saint-Claude) and the other in a small non-commercial farm in Haut-Saint-François.
“There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of properly prepared and cooked poultry, game or eggs,” the statement read. You can continue to consume them without fear by taking the usual precautions regarding safe storage, handling and preparation of food. ”
Avian influenza poses a low risk to the general population. The rare cases where the virus is transmitted to humans are generally associated with close and prolonged contact in a closed environment with infected birds.
MAPAQ and the Quebec Poultry Disease Control Team (EQCMA) remind owners of farmed birds to enhance their biosecurity measures and to comply with the Regulation respecting the sanitary conditions of places where captive birds are kept.
MAPAQ also recommends that owners of breeding birds, both on commercial farms and in backyards, take the following precautions:
-Avoid direct or indirect contact between farmed birds and wild birds;
-If your birds must have access to an outdoor enclosure, a net placed on the enclosure should prevent wild birds from landing there;
-Avoid attracting wild birds by the presence of food or bodies of water near the chicken coop;
-Limit access to the farm to authorized persons only. Make sure that these people comply with the biosecurity measures in force;
-Clean and disinfect motor vehicles before entering the breeding grounds;
-Avoid gatherings of birds.
The MAPAQ calls for the vigilance of poultry owners. They should watch for signs of bird flu in their birds, such as lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, and laying many eggs with soft shells or no shells.
In case of unusual mortalities or signs of disease, they should consult a veterinarian. If this is not possible, contact the MAPAQ Reporting Center at 1 844 ANIMALS or the CFIA emergency telephone line at 1 866 806-4115.