Alberta Health Services (AHS) has reported that 17 individuals, including 10 children, have been directed for testing following the identification of nine cases of Avian Influenza A H5, commonly known as avian flu, in poultry at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm. All workers showing symptoms at the farm are undergoing testing.
The specific strain detected at the farm is the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1, confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to CBC News. AHS has not confirmed any human cases at this time, with three negative test results and the rest pending. All 17 individuals being tested were visitors to the farm.
While Avian Influenza A H5 mainly impacts birds, human infections are rare. AHS is closely monitoring the situation and is investigating individuals who visited the farm between October 6 and October 12 and are displaying flu-like symptoms.
Butterfield Acres Petting Farm closed voluntarily from October 13 to 17. A formal closure order was issued by AHS on Friday, and the facility remains closed.
Avian influenza is a global issue, with sporadic human infections occurring through close contact with infected animals. In Alberta this fall, there have been several outbreaks of avian influenza on farms throughout the province.
Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary specializing in Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, suggested that migratory birds may be the probable source of the recent exposure. He highlighted the risk posed by the presence of Avian Influenza at an agricultural operation that facilitates human contact, especially during the traditional influenza season.
The Calgary Zoo is taking precautions in response to the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in close proximity. Measures are being implemented to protect the zoo’s avian species from potential contamination, including relocating all birds indoors and closing certain aviaries temporarily.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, emphasized the importance of surveillance in tracking avian flu. While H5N1 has caused significant issues worldwide, severe human illness from the virus remains uncommon.
In light of the outbreaks in Alberta, British Columbia has instructed commercial poultry farmers to move their flocks indoors until the avian influenza season subsides. Last year, a 13-year-old girl in B.C. tested positive for avian flu, marking the first reported human case of H5N1 avian flu acquired in Canada.
Visitors who were at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm between October 6 and October 12 are advised to self-monitor for symptoms associated with avian flu and seek medical advice if experiencing any related symptoms. AHS recommends isolation and contacting Health Link at 811 for assessment if symptoms develop within 10 days of visiting the farm. Additional information is available on the AHS website.