Bird flu spreads in Canada
2004-04-25 07:49
Vancouver, Canada - Despite a cull of 19 million birds, and strict quarantine measures, avian flu is still marching across western Canada, and has now infected nearly 50 farms.
Scientists said last week they had bird flu, which has sparked a rash of global bans on Canadian poultry exports, under control, but six new flocks have in recent days tested positive for the H7N3 virus.
Despite the new cases, Cornelius Kiley, chief veterinarian for the western province of British Columbia, said the outbreak is under control.
Flocks at 37 commercial chicken producers and at 10 small backyard operations have tested positive since the first case emerged on February 19.
The flu is thought to have been brought to the region by wild migratory birds.
All but one of the cases have been in the Fraser Valley, 60 kilometres east of Vancouver.
But renewed concern over the outbreak was sparked when a case showed up in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver.
Kiley put the case down to the movement of people and cars, despite the fact that all farms are required to spray car tires when vehicles leave the premises. Signs bearing the slogan Biohazard" are posted throughout the region warning people not to enter farmyards.
Officials are engaged on the gruelling task of culling 19 million birds in the region, in line with a government mandated extermination program.
Over-worked government employees are now being helped by inmates from local prisons.