Bird flu cases found among poultry in N.S. county

A chicken rests inside a cage. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (Andres Kudacki)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has found cases of avian influenza among poultry in Shelburne County, N.S.

According to the agency’s website dashboard on infection cases, the bird flu was detected on March 4 at a non-commercial property. The agency defines non-commercial poultry as birds in flocks with fewer than 1,000 birds and fewer than 300 Anseriformes (waterfowl).

Inspector Mike DiMambro declared a primary control zone for the area of the outbreak on Friday. Control zones are used to limit the spread of the disease to other regions by restricting the movement of commercial and non-commercial poultry, eggs and other by-products.

The control zone includes Shelburne, Carleton Village, Birchtown and McNutts Island.

According to the Nova Scotia government, avian influenza can cause sickness and death in birds. Human cases are rare and symptoms can include:

-fever

-cough

-sore throat

-aching muscles

-diarrhea and abdominal pain

-difficulty breathing

Amy Vanderheide, chair of Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia and leader of the Poultry Emergency Response Preparedness Committee, says while backyard flocks are not directly under their purview, the organization closely monitors cases of avian influenza due to its highly contagious nature.

“Avian influenza is extremely contagious. There is no treatment. There’s no cure. The only option, unfortunately, is depopulation,” said Vanderheide. “We know that’s been done on that site and they are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to complete disinfection. It’s unfortunate, but they are doing the right thing.”

The number of birds infected remains unclear, as backyard flock data is not as readily available as commercial poultry information. Vanderheide said it’s a relief this case occurred in a personal flock rather than a commercial operation.

“If we get it in a commercial barn, all of those animals have to be euthanized, which means they do into the food system,” she explained.

The outbreak in Nova Scotia comes as the United States continues to struggle with avian influenza, which has significantly impacted its poultry industry, resulting in the killing a large number of egg-laying hens, drastically reducing the supply of eggs and driving up prices.

While the current case is not expected to affect food supply or prices, there is always concern the virus could spready to commercial farms. Poultry farmers in Nova Scotia follow strict biosecurity measures, which includes third-party audits to reduce the risk of infection.

“We monitor avian influenza daily. If there are wild bird deaths, we receive reports and follow strict biosecurity guidelines. We work really hard to keep our flocks healthy,” said Vanderheide. “But it’s a tiny virus that can get in through the air or on someone’s shoes, so it remains a real possibility.

She urges backyard flock owners to take precautions by minimizing contact between their birds and wild birds.

“Those of us in commercial poultry hear about avian influenza every day, so we’re always on high alert, but it’s really important that backyard flock owners also stay aware. In the end, if your flock is infected, you’ll lose your birds. It’s an unfortunate virus to come into contact with,” she said.

People are asked limit the spread of avian influenza to wild birds by removing bird feeders.

Anyone who sees an injured, sick or dead bird can report it to the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables at 1-800-565-2224.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page