CFIA confirms new avian flu cases in small flocks in Kelowna, Lower Mainland

Avian flu has been found in the Lower Mainland for the first time since the infection began spreading across the continent this spring.

The H5N1 virus has also been found in small flocks in Kelowna, the North Okanagan and the Kootenay region in the province.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says in a release that the infected locations have been placed under quarantine and the Ministry of Agriculture has notified producers within a 12-kilometre radius about the flocks with positive test results.

The agency says it presumes the flu spread through contact with infected migrating wild birds.

B.C. has ordered all commercial poultry operators with more than 100 birds to move their flocks indoors until the spring migration ends in May.

Avian flu cases have been confirmed in several other provinces, but no infections have been detected in humans.

The B.C. SPCA is asking all residents to also remove any backyard bird feeders and empty bird baths to prevent the spread. Avian flu can affect many different breeds of birds including chickens and turkeys as well as wild birds. It causes severe illness and death in birds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2022.