On February 19, Avian Influenza (H5N1) was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFIA in a poultry flock in Mountain View County, closely adjacent to Kneehill County.
The information is now posted on the CFIA website, and according to this information, the CFIA has begun an investigation and has established quarantine and movement control protocols in the affected area, including areas within Kneehill County.
Avian influenza is highly pathogenic and presents a significant national concern as wild birds migrate to Canada because of its global spread in wild bird populations.
The CFIA website contains resources on avian biosecurity measures for poultry producers and owners with backyard flocks or pet birds. Anyone within the primary control zone is expected to adhere to the poultry movement restrictions and permitting process set by the Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation.
Those poultry owners with valid Alberta Premise ID registrations within the affected primary control zone should receive information updates from the Government of Alberta Office of the Chief Provincial Vet regarding the situation.
Kneehill County will continue providing updates for informational purposes as they become available. Kneehill County is not otherwise directly involved in the process, and any questions should be directed to the CFIA via their website or Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation via 310-FARM (3276).
