April 6, 2022

Canada confirms bird flu cases in Quebec

Canada's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks has confirmed the first three cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu among wild birds in Quebec province, specifically in the areas of Granby, Saint-Jean-sur-le-Richelieu and Saint-Isidore-de-Laprairie in Monteregie, The Record Canada and CTV news reported.

The ministry said cases of bird flu have been detected among wild and farm birds in the country since December 2021.

The virus was identified in Quebec as part of a provincial surveillance programme.

Dr. Raymond Tellier, an infectious diseases expert from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), said if the virus is transmitted to commercial poultry, the entire flock could be killed in 1-2 days.

Bird flu can have a devastating effect on the poultry and egg industry. Neighbouring US is currently coping with its worst bird flu outbreak in history. The virus has also spread in Europe and Asia.

-      The Record Canada