The cull of about 60,000 turkeys will begin Sunday or Monday following an outbreak of bird flu at a farm in Abbotsford, B.C.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed Saturday the presence of H5 avian influenza at E&H Farms.
“Tests to date indicate that the strain of (avian influenza) in this case is low pathogenic,” the CFIA said in a release.
“Further testing is underway to confirm pathogenicity and to determine the precise subtype and strain of the virus.”
Avian influenza viruses rarely affect humans and if poultry is properly handled and cooked does not pose a risk to food safety, health officials say.
In addition to the cull, the CFIA has placed restrictions on the movement of poultry on 23 farms that are within three kilometres of the infected property. They are also investigating the recent movement of birds and equipment from the farm.
Poultry owners in the area have been asked to employ biosecurity measures and monitor their flocks, immediately reporting any sick or dead birds.
