Avian flu confirmed in Manitoba poultry flock

Apr 25, 2022

The affected farm is located in the Rural Municipality of Whitemouth

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the first case of avian flu in a Manitoba poultry flock.

Samples from a farm in the Rural Municipality of Whitemouth on April 23 tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), the CFIA says.

“The infected premises has been placed under quarantine. CFIA has begun an investigation and will be establishing movement control measures on other farms within that area,” the agency said.

This positive test in a poultry flock comes after Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development confirmed H5N1 in samples taken from snow geese near Waskada and a bald eagle near Dauphin.

With these discoveries, producers are advised to ramp up biosecurity measures.

“All our registered producers have been notified that it is recommended to be on high biosecurity alert,” Wayne Hiltz, executive director of Manitoba Chicken Producers, told Farms.com in an email. “We continue to urge backyard flocks to consider keeping their spring birds indoors.”

The CFIA’s website indicates eight Canadian provinces have cases of bird flu in poultry flocks.

Common symptoms of bird flu can include:

Decreased egg production
Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
Sudden death
Lack of coordination
Lack of energy and appetite

Manitobans are asked to contact the TIP Line at 1-800-782-0076 if they find any of the following:

clusters of six or more dead wild waterfowl (e.g., ducks, geese) or other water birds;
any number of dead raptors or avian scavengers (e.g., ravens, crows, gulls); and
groups of dead birds, such as more than 20 of any species.

Video: Inside the National Swine Health Strategy - Dr. Dustin Oedekoven

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, explains the producer-led National Swine Health Strategy and why it is essential for improving U.S. swine health. He discussed industry collaboration, the strategy's initial priorities, why PEDV is the first focus for elimination, research initiatives, and the long-term vision for healthier herds. Listen now on all major platforms.

"The National Swine Health Strategy creates a coordinated approach that moves the entire industry toward common health goals."

Meet the guest: Dr. Dustin Oedekoven / dusty-oedekoven-bb0bb7110 is Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, where he leads initiatives to strengthen U.S. swine health through disease prevention, producer collaboration, and the National Swine Health Strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary public health and regulatory animal health, his work focuses on protecting the U.S. herd from endemic and foreign animal diseases. Listen to Dr. Dustin Oedekoven on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.