The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a notice to the poultry industry about Avian Influenza.
The CFIA warns there is a significant threat of the re-emergency of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza this fall.
The disease resulted in the de-population of about a quarter of a million birds in Canada in 2014-15.
That includes birds on 3 Ontario farms as well as 13 flocks in B-C.
Another 47 point 5 million chickens and turkeys had to be destroyed in the U-S because of the virus.
The Agency says the highest prevalence of the virus is in younger migratory waterfowl as they migrate in the August through November period.
The virus can also survive for longer periods in cooler, damper fall weather.
The CFIA suggests minimizing direct contact between poultry and wild birds, as well as preventing potentially contaminated footwear, clothing and equipment from entering production areas, is of primary importance for producers protecting the health and welfare of their birds.
The Agency also advises commercial producers, backyard flock owners and bird keepers to immediately contact their veterinarian, the provincial ministry of agriculture or a local CFIA office if they suspect their birds may be infected with Avian Influenza.
