These farms in Saint-Alphonse-de-Granby were suspected of being the fourth and fifth places hit by the virus this week. According to’ACIAit was the producers themselves who warned the agency of the possible presence of avian flu among their animals.
Someone called to report symptoms that resemble a reportable disease
explains Dr. Marc Bertrand, national veterinary specialist in operations at theACIA.
A team from the agency was dispatched to the site to take samples which were then analyzed. Although the test results were negative, Dr. Bertrand remains on high alert.
« For people who have birds for pleasure, waterfowl like hens or chickens, it is important to protect them from wild birds, especially our geese and ducks. »
It is still a rare disease in humans, which only affects people who have been in close contact with animals, but it is very contagious between animals. The best biosecurity measures must be taken. We have examples of measures applicable to commercial farms on our site [web] public
adds the specialist in this kind of virus.
Dr. Bertrand also wanted to warn the public about possible interactions with animals potentially infected with avian flu.
« If we are in contact with wild birds, then with domestic birds, it is certain that there can be transmission. »
We must do everything not to attract them, so do not feed them and do not prepare bodies of water especially for that. Also, do not create false security. It’s not because we don’t see them [les maladies] not that they don’t pass.
Quarantines of several weeks to come
Certain control and quarantine measures to limit transmission of the virus may be lifted due to negative results received in suspected settings.
However, precautions remain in place in the affected environments, confirms theACIA. There are two commercial farms in Knowlton and Saint-Claude as well as a small farm in the MRC of Haut-Saint-Francois
The situation is under control, but there are still steps before we can lift our measures. There are follow-ups that will extend over a few weeks after the end of the control measures. The measures that we must establish are really the cleaning and disinfection of infected places before we can start counting our quarantine time.
indicates the national veterinary specialist in operations.
Dr. Bertrand admits that these avian flu epidemics deal a heavy blow to the breeders who are victims of them.
It has the effect of a bomb. It’s really a disaster for people who are in the industry. There are a lot of losses, it is very difficult for them. They have taken the appropriate means to protect themselves, they are taking the appropriate means to collaborate with us, but it hits them hard. This also includes small backyard farms. These people have an attachment to their birds.
« Our teams on site show empathy to minimize the negative effects on the people affected, but our priority remains to eliminate notifiable avian influenza from Canadian territory. »
Among other things, the organization recommends that owners of domestic birds keep them indoors as much as possible to avoid contact with wild waterfowl.
Agricultural companies concerned
The Sherbrooke company Clark et Fils is concerned about the presence of avian flu in Estrie. The agricultural equipment supplier is in the middle of its season and expects to sell more than 70,000 chicks in the coming weeks.
The owner of Clark et Fils, John Crease, who has worked in the industry for more than 50 years, points out that the situation is worrying.
He fears that one of his three chick suppliers could possibly be hit by an outbreak of the flu, which would have catastrophic effects on his season and cause a lot of disappointment among his customers.
« In the future, if ever one of my suppliers is involved in this, it means that he will cut the order so I hope that does not happen. »
However, he is delighted that the clientele is still there. So far, no cancellations have been recorded among its buyers.
In addition, he considers it important to make individuals aware of the safety measures to be taken to avoid contributing to the spread, in particular to avoid any contact between farmed birds and wild birds.