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NLIS 1
January 4, 2006
(Natural Resources)

Newfoundland results for avian influenza in waterfowl released

Testing of 76 healthy, wild and migratory ducks in St. John�s (Quidi Vidi Lake area) has revealed three positive results for a low pathogenic, North American strain of H5 avian influenza virus. These results are consistent with those found in an earlier sampling in the Maritime Provinces and do not indicate an increased threat to human health or commercial poultry flocks.

Provincial veterinary staff are in close contact with the province�s poultry industry and have not identified any concerns over the potential presence of this disease in the commercial industry either currently or historically.

The preliminary testing was carried out by the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. The positive samples were sent to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg which confirmed the preliminary results and identified a low pathogenic, North American strain of the virus. This analysis has ruled out the virus strain currently present in Asia and Europe.

The bird sample collection occurred primarily on December 1, 2005, and was done by provincial veterinary staff of the Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with officials from the Canadian Wildlife Service.

"Surveys to monitor for the presence of avian influenza virus have been done across North America for many years," said Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian. "Though no such surveys had previously been done in this province, we are glad to have been able to initiate this study and look forward to additional research work in the future."

Federal and provincial governments will continue to monitor the health of wild and domestic birds. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a general notice to poultry producers, reminding them to always follow strict biosecurity practices.

For more information on testing results and avian flu see the Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml

For more information contact:

Dr. Hugh Whitney, Provincial Veterinarian, Natural Resources, (709) 729-6879
Dr. Pierre-Yves Daoust, Atlantic Veterinary College, P.E.I., (902) 566-0667
CFIA Media Relations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, (613) 228-6682

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624

2006 01 04                          9 :50 a.m.

 


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