November 18, 2024

Fraser Health Authority releases statement on avian influenza

On November 12, the Fraser Health Authority released a region-wide statement to school districts about the province’s and Canada’s first case of avian influenza caused by the H5 virus. Testing is still in progress to confirm the positive result.

This is a rare occurrence and there have no further cases at this time and no known exposure at any school.

As a matter of caution, Fraser Health recommends the following preventative measures:

  • Stay current on all immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine.
  • Petting zoo and farm visits may continue but avoid direct physical contact with birds (including all poultry, ducks, or any other waterfowl).
  • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
  • Keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their droppings.
  • Report dead or sick birds or animals:
    • For poultry or livestock, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health office: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/about-cfia/contact-cfiaoffice-telephone#bc-animal.
    • For pets, contact your veterinarian or call the BC Animal Health Centre: 1-800-661-9903.
    • For wild birds, contact the B.C. Wild Bird Mortality Line: 1-866-431-2473.
    • For wild mammals, contact the B.C. Wildlife Health Program: 1 (250) 751-7246.

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