Bird flu spreading in Eastern Canada

Canada has seen a number of outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu this year.

At least twenty-four countries have now temporarily banned imports of birds or poultry products from all or parts of Canada as a result of outbreaks of bird flu.

Lisa Bishop-Spencer, director of brand and communications for Chicken Farmers of Canada, says cases have been discovered in backyard flocks in Newfoundland and Ontario, as well as in commercial flocks in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

She was asked about the risk to human health.

"Health Canada and CFIA have both assured us that this is not a food safety or quality issue. This is in fact a flock health issue. The risk to the general population and the general health of consumers is minimal and Canadians can continue to enjoy their poultry and eggs products as they always have."

Bishop-Spencer says the avian flu is spreading through migratory birds, adding the impact could be fairly significant if this is not well contained.