First case of bird flu confirmed in Quebec

Canards du Lac Brome has confirmed the discovery of the first case of H5N1 avian influenza on a farm in Saint-Claude, in the Eastern Townships.

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“Upon confirmation of the case on Tuesday, the company proactively quarantined the site and immediately contacted the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which oversees activities at the site,” the company said in a press release on Wednesday.

As a precaution, the company has also placed the Knowlton breeding site under quarantine.

Canards du Lac Brome says it is working with specialists from the CFIA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ) to “combat the disease and stop the risks of spreading quickly”.

“Strong vital security measures such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, shoes and car tires have been taken, all under the supervision of CFIA personnel,” she said.

According to CFIA, new cases of bird flu have already been confirmed in Ontario and the Maritimes, but this is the first confirmed case on a poultry farm in La Belle County.