Manitoba Agriculture and industry stakeholders would like to inform MVMA members that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been recently detected in commercial poultry and wild birds within the province. This highly contagious virus is known to be transmitted by wild waterfowl and shorebirds, with heightened risk of HPAI infection occurring during spring and fall migration. During these times, poultry owners are encouraged to watch their birds closely for signs of disease, such as decreased egg production, increased mortality or severe depression, and take measures to reduce contact between wild birds and their flock. Veterinary teams and owners are also reminded that HPAI is zoonotic, so proper personal protective equipment should be used when handling suspect animals, and that it can infect other species that are in contact with or scavenging positive birds.

HPAI is a federally reportable disease in poultry which means that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) must be notified of all suspected cases. Poultry owners should contact their veterinarian or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Sick Bird Line (1-403-338-5225) if they are concerned that their birds have been infected with HPAI. Veterinary teams receiving calls about HPAI suspect poultry should also contact the CFIA Sick Bird Line where HPAI risk and how to proceed will be determined.

More information on HPAI and biosecurity recommendations for poultry owners can be found at the CFIA’s Facts About Avian Influenza website. Owner or veterinary teams are also encouraged to reach out to the Manitoba Chief Veterinary Office at 1-204-945-7663 or chiefveterinaryoffice@gov.mb.ca if they have additional questions.