??Alert! Canada and WHO Issue Warning Over a Potentially Terrifying New Virus in BC??

Canada's health officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued a grave warning regarding the unprecedented outbreak of avian flu in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. This outbreak is affecting the poultry industry and poses a potential threat to human health.

Key Information:

• Rapid Spread: 36 farms in BC have been confirmed with avian flu outbreaks.
• Wild Birds as Carriers: Wild birds are the primary vectors for the spread of the virus.
• Historic Scale: This year's outbreak has reached a scale unprecedented since the first case of H5N1 avian flu in Canada in December 2021.

Human Risk:

• WHO Warning: Increased detection in mammals raises concerns about the virus potentially infecting humans more easily.
• Flu Vaccination Advisory: BC's Chief Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends flu vaccinations for people working or living on poultry farms.
• Warning from Theresa Burns, the Chief Veterinarian of British Columbia: The intersection of avian flu and influenza could create an even more terrifying new virus.

Challenges for Farmers:

• Economic and Emotional Impact: Farmers are facing significant financial losses and emotional stress, despite having insurance.
• Biosecurity Measures Challenged: Existing preventive measures seem less effective against the H5N1 virus.

Looking Ahead:

• Long-term Battle: The uncertainty of the situation means farmers might have to adapt to this "new normal" for an extended period.
• Scientific Research: Studies are underway to understand wild birds' immune response to H5N1, which might take 3 to 5 years.

Food Safety:

• No Risk to Food Safety: Cooked poultry products are safe, and infected products are not entering the market.

?? We will continue to monitor this severe situation and support our poultry farmers and health workers as they confront this challenge.

#CanadaAvianFlu #PublicHealth #AgriculturalCrisis #Biosecurity