AVIAN INFLUENZA

The presence of avian influenza has been confirmed in two new farms in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia on Wednesday afternoon by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The virus was also detected in another barn on an already infected sites. "Since this barn is legally considered a separate business entity, the CFIA treats it as a new infected place, bringing the total to eight,"
In addition, the province has notified the CFIA she suspected the presence of avian influenza in a ninth facility. Tests are ongoing and results are expected Thursday, according to the agency.

"The birds were humanely euthanized in four farms, and began the depopulation activities in the fifth operation. Regarding the remaining farms, depopulation will take place in the coming days, "added the agency.

Bird flu has appeared in the Fraser Valley in early December. This is the fourth outbreak of avian influenza in the region since 2004.

A total of 155,000 birds are affected nows. The CFIA noted that during the outbreak of 2004, 16 million animals had to be euthanized.

Monday, nearly half of the province has been designated primary control zone by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prevent the spread of avian influenza in poultry.

The avian influenza can be transmitted to humans who eat infected poultry, provided that the meat is handled and cooked properly, says the CFIA.