The CFIA has confirmed avian flu in a chicken flock in Cypress County. (Canadian Press Photo)

By Brian Konrad

Samples confirm H5N1 in chicken flock

Avian flu confirmed in Cypress County

May 24, 2022 | 12:14 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza in a small flock of chickens in Cypress County.

The CFIA says the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza was identified Saturday.

The landowner, west of Medicine Hat, suspected the presence of the pathogen and submitted samples for testing to the CFIA.

Jeffrey Dowling, director of municipal services for Cypress County, says the test results came back on Saturday and confirmed the pathogen was present.

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“The landowner had some knowledge of what was going on in the province and what was happening right across Canada, but wasn’t completely sure so did the diligent thing which was to get in contact with the right officials,” says Dowling.

The source of the infection is not known.

Dowling says the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Alberta Agriculture are now in charge of the investigation.

The infection in Cypress County is the 29th in Alberta but the first in more than a week.

The CFIA says the virus is spreading globally and there have been outbreaks in every province except Prince Edward Island.