April 21, 2004

Canada Pays Out $2.4 Million In Bird Flu Aid
 
Canada has paid C$2.4 million ($1.8 million) to British Columbia poultry farmers and is studying the possibility of broader compensation for flocks that have been culled because of an outbreak of avian flu, Agriculture Minister Bob Speller said on Tuesday.

"As for broader compensation, we are working closely with the industry and province to understand the extent of the impact on the industry. Once this is complete, we will be in a better position to determine what compensation for economic loss is necessary," Speller stated through his spokeswoman.
 
More than 30 poultry farms in the Fraser River Valley east of Vancouver were affected by the bird flu. Millions of birds had already been slaughtered, while compensation for de-population has been paid to 23 farms.
 
Although the B.C. virus is not known to cause serious illnesses in humans, health officials have said they want to eradicate the threat before it mutates into a more serious strain.