October 25, 2005

 

Bird flu not present in Canadian pigeons to Australia
 

 

None of the 102 exported pigeons recently exported from Canada to Australia were infected or were carrying the live avian influenza, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

 

"The birds were neither clinically ill nor capable of making other birds or humans ill," the CFIA said in a statement that was aimed at clarifying reports on the presence of avian influenza antibodies in three pigeons out of a shipment of 102.

 

As no threat to human or animal health is present, Canada believes the interim import restrictions are unfortunate as Canada followed all Australian certification requirements for importing live birds, the CFIA said.

 

Canada remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza, including the H5N1 strain, which has been the focus of international attention.

 

Additional blood tests conducted by Australian authorities had confirmed the presence of generic AI antibodies in the birds, the CFIA said.

 

This finding indicates that the birds were likely exposed to an AI virus at some point in their life. Because pigeons are commonly raised outdoors, this finding is not surprising. Exposure to wild birds, which are known carriers of the virus, would result in the development of antibodies, the CFIA said.

 

Since the announcement by Australia, Canadian officials have had ongoing bilateral discussions with their Australian counterparts in hopes of resuming full trade in live birds as soon as possible.

 

Canada and Australia are committed to working together, and animal disease experts from both countries will meet over the weekend to discuss what, if any, actions are required to lift the trade restrictions, the CFIA said.

 

While both countries are sensitive to the international concerns associated with AI, actions must be based on sound science.

 

The CFIA said Canada takes seriously its responsibilities to meet the requirements of importing countries. Canada's internationally recognised export certification system meets the requirements of the World Organization for Animal Health and is carried out by trained veterinarians.