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By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Avian flu outbreak reported in Lethbridge County

May 4, 2022 | 9:18 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has detected three outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPIA) in Alberta.

On May 1, they said it was confirmed through laboratory testing to be in commercial poultry operations in Lethbridge County and the Municipality of Wainright.

Another outbreak occurred in a small poultry flock in the County of Two Hills.

The exact locations were not specified.

The CFIA did not state how many birds have been affected by the most recent outbreaks but said the 18 cases so far in Alberta have impacted an estimated 600,000.

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The province has changed the alert level for the avian flu to red but notes that it poses an extremely low risk to human health and no risk to food safety.

If you suspect that your birds have HPIA, contact a veterinarian to determine if further actions are required or the nearest CFIA Animal Health office.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird is told to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).

READ MORE: Discovery of dead birds prompts warning from Town of Coaldale