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).

The U18 React/DT Fire Protection Raptors are bound for the finals after a two-game total points win over Camrose.
The U18 Raptors were in Camrose on Friday, March 1, for Game One of the series.
Kegan Regis and Kerric Chambers had two goals and two assists each, and Kayden Bitz and Terry Martin each contributed a goal as the Raptors went on to a 6-2 win, positioning themselves well for Game Two.
The Raptors hosted Camrose on Sunday, March 3, for the second game of the series. The team took time out before the game to honour its five senior players who are graduating from Minor Hockey.
The Raptors scored first and never looked back. Regis had two goals and an assist, and Owen Phoenix and Gavin Olsen also contributed goals as the Raptors went on to win Game Two, 4-3, with a total goal differential of 10-5.
With this win, the Raptors will go on to play Kneehill in the league final. There is going to be some stiff competition as the Raptors and Kneehill are well-known to each other. They met four times this year, including in the tiering round, and Kneehill has taken three victories. The Raptors appear to be peaking at the right time. After an up-and-down season, they have won eight in a row.
“To beat Kneehill we are going to have to play a full 120 minutes over these two games,” said coach Stephen Fournier.
Game One of the two-game series is on Friday, March 8 at 7:15 p.m.