Avian flu confirmed in second Richmond flock

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the presence of avian flu in a small flock of poultry in Richmond.

The agency did not provide information on the number of birds infected by H1N1. This is the second case in Richmond in May, both of which are in small flocks.

The CFIA says while the so-called “bird flu” is not a food safety concern, it is spreading across the globe and anyone with birds must use preventive measures like securing their property by a fence.

It says small flocks are at risk of contracting viruses like avian influenza, especially if they have access to ponds or bodies of water known to be used by wild birds.

Related articles:

• B.C. eggs, chicken safe to eat, says industry, as avian flu spreads

• ‘Unless you are a bird, you shouldn’t worry’: Avian flu worries unwarranted, vet association head

H1N1 can also be spread on the clothing and shoes of visitors and employees moving from flock to flock, through contaminated feed, water, bedding and farm equipment as well as via airborne particles and dust blown by the wind.

B.C.’s Agriculture Ministry said this week that avian flu had been found in a commercial flock in the Fraser Valley, home to 80 per cent of the province’s poultry farms.