What can livestock producers do to prevent infection on their farm?
A8. Wild bird populations are the natural reservoir for the influenza viruses. Therefore, it is essential for commercial poultry producers to maintain strict bio-security practices. On a farm: • Keep away from areas frequented by wild fowl; • Keep strict control over access to your poultry houses by people and equipment; • Keep equipment cleaned and disinfected before taking it into poultry houses; • Do not keep bird feeders and duck ponds on your farm. This will discourage wild birds. • Maintain high sanitation standards. If clinical signs are noticed or suspected in poultry, contact your veterinarian or the CFIA office in your area. Producers are obligated to report any suspicion of AI because it is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Q9. Is this the first time Avian influenza has been detected in Canada? A9. No. In the sixties, when turkeys were often raised in ranges (outdoors), cases of low pathogenic avian influenza were often reported in the autumn. One of the
