Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

A surge in avian influenza expected this spring

Apr 27, 2023 | 5:38 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – Every year one-third of Canada’s bird population migrates south.

But with millions of birds impacted from the avian influenza in 2022 and with millions of wild birds returning to nest and reproduce in Canada’s lakes and forests, it’s giving way to some recommended precautionary measures.

In fact, Dr. Keith Lehman, the Chief Provincial Veterinarian, said in a recent notice, that a surge in avian influenza is expected for this spring.

“As they come back, they’re going to come back through southern Alberta first on their way north, so they’re gonna potentially carry and leave that virus here if there’s any contact with poultry or other wild birds in the county,” said Lisa Sulz, Cypress County’s agricultural supervisor.

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Domestic turkeys and chickens are the most susceptible to the virus.

In 2022, a case was detected in a small backyard flock in Cypress County, about 10 kilometers outside of Medicine Hat. That same year, other parts of the province suffered more cases of the influenza. In Central Alberta millions of birds in commercial flocks were affected.

Overall, Sulz says the disease is highly transmissible, seeing it’s carried in the feces and the litter, such as the feathers and water, and it’s important for the public to be careful and take precaution.

“It is a virus so you can’t necessary get rid of it, but you can try to keep your place safe so if someone is coming in, don’t allow them to be close to your poultry or your other birds you would have and that sort of thing, and just keeping everything clean and tidy, and dispose of anything manure and all that,” said Sulz.

In addition, she recommends that when visiting other farms, to stay away from the flock, clean your vehicle and tires, and if handling your own chickens, to sanitize your rubber boots, hands and gloves.

She says not to be fearful, but to be mindful and aware of what’s coming to the province.

If you see any signs of the disease, please report them to your flock veterinarian, the Canadian Food and Inspection agency at (403) 338-5225 or the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian at (780) 427-3448 or 1-(800) 524-0051.