Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
VICTORIA – A limited sample of healthy wild migratory birds in B.C. revealed that approximately 24 per cent tested positive for the H5 subtype of the avian influenza virus. However, this does not indicate a threat to human health.
“It is very unlikely that the H5 virus found in these samples is the same as the pathogenic strain from Asia. The samples were all taken from young healthy birds,” said Dr. Ron Lewis, B.C.’s chief veterinarian. “It’s important to keep in mind these birds are live and healthy.”
The samples were gathered by the Canadian Wildlife Services as part of the cross-country testing of viruses carried by wild waterfowl, being co-ordinated through the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. B.C. is one of six provinces participating in this project. The B.C. samples were gathered during routine banding of migratory waterfowl.
The 704 samples were taken from migratory birds, most of which were mallards, from the area around Merritt, B.C. None tested positive for any H7 strains, which affected poultry in the Fraser Valley in 2003.
“Migratory birds and geese are the natural global reservoir to all subtypes of type A influenza viruses,” said Lewis. “These preliminary tests are all from one particular area of B.C. and one particular flock. The flock may not be representative of all migratory birds in B.C.”
The positive H5 samples will be sent to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg for further testing to confirm the N type of the virus. Results are expected in about 10 days.
“While the sub-type of this virus has not yet been confirmed, there is no reason to believe there is an increased risk to human health,” said Dr. Perry Kendall, provincial health officer. “The annual flu shot and frequent hand washing are some of the best ways people can safeguard their health from the flu. I would encourage all British Columbians eligible for the free flu shot to visit their local public health clinic or their doctor to receive their vaccine.”
More information on the seasonal flu and flu safety can be found online at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/pho/influenza.html.
Media contact:
Dave Townsend
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
250 889-5945
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.
