Bird Flu Outbreak Reported On Two Canadian Farms

After testing positive for bird flu, authorities in Canada said on Tuesday that they have quarantined two poultry farms in British Columbia.

"Preliminary testing by the province of British Columbia has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on two farms in the Fraser Valley" region of the province, said a statement released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment- FAQs
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.

The tests were conducted Monday at the two infected sites - a turkey farm and a chicken breeding facility, said officials.

Authorities said that within a few days they expect to receive the results of testing "to confirm pathogenicity and to determine the precise subtype and strain of the virus."

The testing was undertaken after both farms experienced an unexpectedly high number of sudden bird deaths over the weekend.

A New Variant of Bird Flu Virus Causes Serious Infection
A newly detected variant of bird flu virus has been associated with serious lung infection, ultimately resulting in death.

Officials said infected poultry would be euthanized and discarded in accordance with international health and safety protocols.

Source-AFP

A Bird's Eye View of The Bird Flu Scare
It might not be the plague yet, but the bird or avian flu scare has acquired this nasty habit of sending a shiver down the spine.

WHO Chief's Sudden Death - A Major Loss To Global Health
Director General of World Health Organization, Dr Lee Jong-Wook death is a major loss to global health programmes according to People's Health Organization in India.