The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected the presence of avian flu in Saskatchewan at several non-commercial properties and at a poultry show in Moose Jaw earlier this month. A case of highly pathogenic influenza associated with a poultry show on Nov. 7 in Moose Jaw was reported by the CFIA and shared in a post by the Saskatchewan Poultry Association on Friday. If anyone showed or sold their birds at the event, or purchased any birds, they are asked to contact the CFIA’s sick bird call line at 1-403-338-5225. Others who attended the show but did not show, sell, or purchase birds, are still asked to monitor their own birds at home for the illness. According to the CFIA, the incubation period ranges from two days to 14 days and the virus can be transmitted to other birds. Signs of the influenza include lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen eyes, respiratory signs, decrease in egg production, or death. On Tuesday, birds at a non-commercial property in the rural municipality (RM) of Bayne were confirmed to have the illness. On Friday, CFIA said poultry at a non-commercial property in the RM of Preeceville were also confirmed to have the illness. On Saturday, another instance of avian influenza was reported to be detected in Saskatchewan, this time at a non-commercial property in the RM of Loon Lake. In all cases, it is not known how many birds were infected with the illness, or which measures have been put into place to address it. Updates on the situation can be found here.
