Avian influenza detected in P.E.I. domestic flock for 1st time

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has detected avian influenza (HPAI) in a domestic flock on Prince Edward Island for the first time.

According to a news release the highly contagious virus was confirmed on Thursday in a small poultry flock in Kings County. 

The agency said it does not release details about individual farms but noted that the detection was at a non-commercial operation. It said operations with fewer than 1,000 birds are classified as non-commercial.

A primary control zone has been created for the infected premises, the release states.

The agency is asking poultry producers to be vigilant and to put biosecurity measures in place. These include:

• Prevent contact with wild birds and other animals.
• Frequently clean poultry coops, devices used for supplying water, feeders, clothing and boots.
• Limit exposure to visitors.
• Spot the signs of avian influenza and report early.
• Keep new birds separate when entering your flock.