Depopulation Of Birds Complete At Saskatchewan Farm, Canada

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Article Date: 04 Oct 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed the humane depopulation of birds on the farm in Saskatchewan where highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza was detected last week.

CFIA's actions are consistent with international scientific recommendations and guidelines and significant experience in previous avian influenza detections and training exercises. The birds were euthanized with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and are being buried in a remote area of the property approved for this purpose by provincial authorities. Normal decomposition of the bird carcass following burial effectively deactivates the avian influenza virus and respects provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease control and biocontainment guidelines.

The next step will be the cleaning and disinfection of all barns, vehicles, equipment and tools on the property. This is necessary to remove any infected material that may remain and prevent a possible reoccurrence of the disease. Providing that no new cases of infection are found in the area, the producer will be able to introduce new birds onto the property after cleaning and disinfection have been completed. CFIA will then monitor these newly placed birds for any evidence of the disease following their introduction.

The CFIA will provide compensation to the producer for the market value of all birds ordered destroyed through this investigation as well as any costs the producer may incur associated with destruction and disposal. Assistance is also available through other federal and provincial programs.

Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to human health and safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. In this case, no products from the infected farm entered the human food system.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease in birds. Movement of live birds, bird products, or things that may have come in contact with birds may cause the spread of avian influenza. As a result, the CFIA has implemented movement control measures for these products. There are general restrictions for the entire Province of Saskatchewan and additional restrictions for the three-kilometre and 10-kilometre regions around the infected farm. CFIA permits are required to move certain products. No restrictions apply to the movement of poultry meat and table eggs purchased from grocery stores.

The CFIA will continue monitoring of bird health and sampling of premises located within 10 kilometres of the infected farm. These activities will continue for a period of 21 days.

More information on the movement control measures for the province and the regions around the infected farm is available on the CFIA Web site at http://www.inspection.gc.ca, or from the CFIA regional office in Saskatchewan at 306-780-8788 or 1-800-442-2342.

The CFIA continues to work with the Province of Saskatchewan, industry, local authorities and the producer in this response effort and will provide more information as it becomes available.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca