The avian flu virus has infected 50 British Columbia poultry farms, including 21 additional farms in less than a week, worrying the poultry producers' association. In addition, the teenager who contracted the virus is still in critical condition, two weeks after his infection.
We are still concerned about the potential presence of avian flu on our farms and we are working with the Canadian Food Protection Association and provincial authorities to monitor the situation.
explain Shawn Hallspokesperson for the British Columbia Poultry Producers Association.
All 50 farms were quarantined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Health biosecurity measures have been at their highest levels since October 16 to contain the spread.
When farmers enter their paddocks in the morning and notice their animals showing symptoms, they have a number to call and testing is done within an hour. This helps reduce the risk of spread between farms
details Shawn Hall.
He adds that the virus is spread by migratory birds, then in the middle of the migration season.
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In British Columbia, the 50 farms contaminated by avian flu are all located in the Fraser Valley.
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Teenager still in critical condition
The Health Ministry said Friday that the teenager infected with bird flu is still in critical condition two weeks after his infection.
The teenager, who lives in the Fraser Valley Health Authority area, is the first person to contract the H5N1 virus in Canada.
According to an article published in Nature (New window) (in English), the virus could have mutated in the teenager's body according to hypotheses from researchers who were able to see the sequencing ADN of the virus, but who have not studied it. These mutations, if confirmed, would strengthen the virus's ability to contaminate human cells as well as its replication speed.
With information from Benoit Ferradini
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