April 20, 2004

Canada Bird Flu Hits 31 Farms

The bird flu outbreak in Canada has worsened, with the virus now spreading to 31 poultry farms in British Columbia.
 
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the disease is also confirmed in 10 "backyard" flocks.
 
Culling is underway, and all infected birds will not be spared.
 
Officials estimated that by early May this year, 19 million chickens and turkeys from the Fraser Valley would have been slaughtered. In addition, barns would be cleansed before new poultry is brought in.
 
The bird flu virus has also wrecked havoc in Asia, sweeping across 10 countries in the region.