Avian Flu: CFIA detects AI in two provinces, one positive case found in a wild bird in Saskatchewan

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected the presence of Avian Influenza (AI) in Saskatchewan and Manitoba last week.

The CFIA noted AI was detected in three non-commercial poultry flocks in Saskatchewan, in the Rural Municipalities of Indian Head, Colonsay, and Lipton, as well as in a commercial poultry operation in the Manitoba R.M. of Wallace.

Most poultry and egg production operations already have biosecurity measures in place, but producers who maintain small flocks, should look at enhancing their biosecurity measures as a way to protect their birds.

Producers are reminded to contact a veterinarian or nearest animal health office if they believe their birds are infected, or if they spot a sick or dead wild bird to report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative or the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment general inquiry line.

Testing wild birds for AI underway

Testing for Avian Influenza in wild birds, such as Canada Geese, Snow Geese, and other migratory birds, is being done at a lab in Saskatoon.

Samples are submitted by the Ministry of Environment, including some that have been reported by the public.

Erin Moffatt, a wildlife biologist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, says most of the samples this year have come from southern areas of the province, while the only positive case was in the Saskatoon region.

The testing of dead birds can go through a few stages, starting with a necropsy to examine the internal organs for signs of infection. A sample also goes to Prairie Diagnostic Testing and if needed, would then go to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

There were nine positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Saskatchewan last year.