A small flock of birds in the Regional District of Nanaimo have tested positive for avian influenza, the first Island flock to do so since early May. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

avian influenza

Bird flu confirmed in small flock within Regional District of Nanaimo

Jun 16, 2022 | 4:09 PM

NANAIMO — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency have detected avian influenza within the Regional District of Nanaimo.

A list of outbreaks from the agency confirmed the virus was detected on Wednesday, June 15 within a small flock in a backyard.

The exact location of the outbreak is unknown with the agency still establishing a primary control zone which denotes areas of highest risk for neighbouring properties.

“Bird owners are legally responsible to notify authorities of serious bird diseases such as bird flu,” a public notice from the RDN read. “Do not take sick birds off the property. If a flock is suffering from any unexplained clinical signs or increased mortality, bird owners should contact a professional for help and sampling.”

The notice also said both the provincial agriculture ministry and the agency are implementing “response measures to address the situation.”

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it presumes the flu spreads through contact with infected migrating wild birds and it advises owners to reduce human access to their flocks, while increasing cleaning of clothing and footwear when entering barns.

Avian flu cases have been confirmed in several other provinces, but no infections have been detected in humans.

The case reported within the Regional District was the first in B.C. since June 8 and the first on Vancouver Island since a report of infection in the Comox Valley in early May, which remains active.

NanaimoNewsNOW has contacted the RDN to ask for any further information pertaining to the location of the flock and will update this story once more information is available.

–with files from The Canadian Press

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