National Operations Veterinary Specialist for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Marc Bertrand has confirmed at least four cases of avian influenza (avian flu) on sites in the Eastern Townships, including in the general Sherbrooke area and in Brome-Missisquoi. All four sites were immediately put under quarantine and will remain so until the situation is resolved. Bertrand provided details as to how the agency is handling the situation and what can be done to help contain the spread of the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we do as soon as we have some suspicions of a disease that is declared by either a practitioner or even a farmer is we send a team to investigate,\u201d said Bertrand. \u201cThis means that we will take samples and analyze them. In the meantime, we will put the farm in quarantine until we get the results.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next steps all depend on the results.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it is negative, we lift the quarantine right away. If it turns out to be positive, then we start the inquiry. We will look at all of the epidemiological links with the farms. That includes movement of people, animals, and things, and also the direct proximity to the farm where the confirmed case was found,\u201d explained Bertrand.<\/p>\n
Bertrand described the avian flu as being \u201ccatastrophic\u201d for a bird farm as it can kill or get most birds sick.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are biosecurity measures so that people don\u2019t travel around without precautions,\u201d noted Bertrand.<\/p>\n
Bertrand said that even small flock owners have a part to play in containing the spread of the avian flu.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey certainly have their part to play because one of the farms that was infected was in fact a small backyard operation. You have to keep in mind that when we talk about the avian flu, it comes mainly from ducks and geese. That\u2019s wild birds that are migrating over to Canada so you don\u2019t want to attract them or keep them in your vicinity during their migration,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Bertrand added that people should also pay attention to the clothes that they are wearing while taking care of their flock.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be the same boots that you use to go hike and duck hunting because you could bring back the disease from the wild,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, have dedicated garments when feeding your own backyard flock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concerning how the disease can affect humans, Bertrand emphasized that it is extremely rare that people contract the avian flu, but if it does happen seeking immediate medical attention is necessary.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople that are working in close contact with avian flu infected birds might get the disease. It\u2019s something that is rarely seen, it is not common, but people should understand this part as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n