A case of Avian Flu has been confirmed in a small domestic poultry flock located in the northeast area of the Municipal District of Bonnyville.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain was identified earlier today and can cause severe illness and high mortality rates among poultry populations. The risk of HPAI is known to increase during migration season, when wild birds travel through the region.

Local Producers Notified

“Residents in the 10-kilometre control zone have been notified if they have their Premise Identification Number (PID),” said Janice Boden, Agricultural Fieldman for the M.D. of Bonnyville. “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working under the direction of the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) to ensure biosecurity measures are in place.”

Avian Flu primarily affects wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but can spread to domestic poultry, including turkeys, ducks, and chickens.

What to Watch For

Common signs of Avian Flu in wild birds include head tremors and limp necks. In domestic flocks, symptoms may include:
▪️ Depression, droopiness, or loss of appetite
▪️ Sudden drop in egg production, with soft-shelled eggs
▪️ Purplish-blue colouring or blisters on wattles and combs
▪️ Swelling under the eyes
▪️ Coughing or sneezing

Safety and Reporting

The M.D. urges poultry owners to keep their PID information up to date and review the Government of Canada’s Avian Influenza page at bit.ly/GoCAvianFlu
for current updates, surveillance information, and resources for producers and bird owners.

Residents should avoid handling live or dead wild and domestic birds. If contact is unavoidable:

Wear disposable gloves or place a plastic bag over your hand before picking up the bird.

Use a stick or shovel to move the bird into a container without direct contact.

Wash your hands with soap and water and disinfect any surfaces with diluted bleach, alcohol, or commercial disinfectants.

If you notice clusters of dead birds — wild or domestic — report them by calling 310-0000 (toll-free), then 780-427-3448, or submit an online report at alberta.ca/avian-influenza-reportable
.

If you suspect your flock may be infected, contact your veterinarian or the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian at 780-427-3448.