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Not unexpectedly, laboratory tests on birds exhibiting respiratory symptoms at a turkey farm in British Columbia have come back as positive for H5 LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza).
The exact strain has not yet been determined.
While this will result in the culling of thousands of birds, Low Path H5 isn't generally considered to be a serious threat to human health.
CFIA confirms avian flu outbreak on B.C. farm
Updated Sat. Jan. 24 2009 5:18 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed an H5 avian influenza outbreak on a turkey farm in B.C.'s Fraser Valley.
CFIA says the strain in this case is of low pathogenicity, and further tests will be done to determine the precise subtype and stain of the virus.
Pathogenicity refers to the severity of the bird's illness.
All birds on the farm will be humanely euthanized, the CFIA said in a news release. Afterwards, the organization will oversea the cleaning and disinfection of the farm.
Several other farms in a three-kilometre radius of the infected farm have been quarantined.
Avian viruses are not a risk to food safety providing poultry products are properly cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans, unless they have been in close contact with the infected birds, the CFIA says.
CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber told CTV Newsnet Saturday afternoon that one man in close contact with the infected birds is under close medical watch in case anything develops.
She added that no recalls of any meat products from the farm are expected.
Weisgarber said that other farms in the area will have their birds extensively tested before they can put their product to market.
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