Quarantine in place after avian flu confirmed on southern Ontario duck farm
by The Canadian Press
All birds will be euthanized; inspection agency says it will conduct further testing to determine precise strain
OTTAWA—A duck farm in St. Catharines, Ont., has been placed under quarantine because of positive preliminary test for H5 avian influenza.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says initial testing has confirmed the presence of the virus and further testing is underway to determine its precise subtype and strain.
The CFIA says those results are expected within days.
In addition to the quarantine, the CFIA says it will draw up a surrounding surveillance zone for further testing and control measures.
The CFIA says all birds on the infected farm will be euthanized and it will oversee the cleaning and disinfection of barns, vehicles, equipment and tools to eliminate any infectious material that may remain.
Avian flu rarely affects humans and does not pose a risk to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked.
