A Case of Avian Flu Detected near Us
The Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) has informed us that a case of H5 subtype avian influenza has been detected on a commercial farm near our municipality.
– GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC –
As an owner of a backyard flock or a small bird farm, you should know that the risk of your birds contracting the avian influenza virus is currently high.
Prevention and biosecurity measures must be rigorously applied, both on commercial farms and in backyard flocks and small bird farms (e.g., urban chickens).
Read the Vigilance Notice (in French only), share it and post it in the coop.
Also post this reminder sheet, as a reminder of the basic rules to protect your flock against avian flu.
The requirements set out in the Regulation respecting the sanitary conditions of captive bird keeping facilities must be respected at all times.
MAPAQ also recommends to owners of farmed birds:
- Avoid all direct or indirect contact between farmed birds and wild birds by confining birds in a closed building when possible, otherwise in an enclosure with a roof (e.g., netting);
- Avoid attracting wild birds through the presence of food, bodies of water, or water accumulation on the ground near the enclosure;
- Clean and disinfect all vehicles or equipment before each entry to or exit from the farm;
- Limit access to the farm to authorized personnel only and ensure that these individuals comply with current biosecurity measures (keep a visitor log, if possible);
- Avoid all contact between backyard flocks and commercial farms (e.g., sharing personnel).
In case of unusual mortalities or signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
If you cannot find a veterinarian, call 450 768-6763 to reach the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s phone line to report sick birds or 1 844 ANIMAUX to contact MAPAQ’s Reporting Centre.
For more information, visit the web page: Avian Flu | Government of Quebec (quebec.ca).