Avian flu discovered on fourth Quebec chicken farm

The number of avian flu cases in Quebec is growing, with four poultry farms now affected by the virus.

Canada's food inspection agency confirmed Sunday the latest case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza was detected in a flock in Les Sources, Que., about 190 kilometres east of Montreal.

The four farm outbreaks are concentrated in the Estrie region, east of Montreal, including at a commercial duck farm that announced its first case last week.

The federal agency says the facilities have been placed under quarantine, and it is recommending other farms in the area increase biosecurity measures.

Quebec's first bird flu cases were detected in wild geese earlier this month, and several other provinces have reported outbreaks in wild and domestic populations.

H5N1 is commonly found in wild waterfowl, but it can cause serious disease and death in domestic populations.

While it can be transmitted to humans on rare occasions, the inspection agency says avian influenza is not a significant public health concern for healthy people who are not in regular contact with infected birds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2022.