No High Risk Avian Influenza Viruses Found In Canada's Wild Birds

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 13 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The Government of Canada is committed to preventing the introduction of avian influenza in Canada's domestic poultry flocks. Canada's 2007 Interagency Wild Bird Influenza Survey confirmed no findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada's wild bird population.

Initially launched in 2005, the annual survey is a joint initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) and Canada's Avian Influenza Laboratory Network.

The 2007 survey included testing of wild birds along main Canadian migratory routes as well as in Iceland, where birds were sampled during their migration from Western Europe to the Canadian Arctic.

As with previous surveys, the 2007 survey found various low pathogenicity AI subtypes, including both H5 and H7. These detections are expected. Low pathogenicity influenza viruses commonly circulate in wild birds with little or no impact on the health of birds or people.

The 2008 survey is now underway. Annual monitoring of wild birds helps animal health experts track and understand the viruses circulating throughout Canada. Wild bird surveillance is one of the Government's key AI prevention and preparedness initiatives.

A summary of results from 2005-2007 can be viewed on the CCWHC website.

For additional information on AI, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency