A rapidly spreading strain of avian influenza continues to affect the Strathroy-Caradoc area, where three commercial poultry farms have now tested positive for the H5N1 virus. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which classifies H5N1 as a highly pathogenic form of avian flu, confirmed the first outbreak on November 14, with additional cases identified on November 22 and again this Wednesday.
The initial two sites reported losses of approximately 32,000 and 15,500 turkeys, while the number of birds affected at the third location has not yet been disclosed. In response, the CFIA has established a primary control zone around the region. All infected flocks will be culled, and the farms will undergo ongoing monitoring to help prevent further spread.
Written by: C. Soares