December 13, 2014–The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation into the outbreak of avian influenza in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. Information pertaining to the current number of infected premises has been summarized in a chart that can be found on the CFIA’s website:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/infectedpremises/eng/1418340527324/1418340584180
Additional general information relating to the avian influenza situation in British Columbia can be found on the CFIA website:
http://inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/eng/1323990856863/1323991018946
On Monday, December 8, 2014, the CFIA established a Primary Control Zone (PCZ), in the area where the disease has been identified. The PCZ has been established in order to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The zone is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the United States border, on the north by Highway 16, and on the east by the border between British Columbia and Alberta. The PCZ includes an Infected Zone, Restricted Zone and the surrounding Security Zone. Additional information, including a map of the PCZ, is available on the CFIA website:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/primary-control-zone/questionsand-answers/eng/1417999708878/1417999768766
To maintain export market access, effective immediately, poultry meat products originating from PCZ must be marked according to CFIA Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures Chapter 9 (section 9.8):
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/meat-and-poultry-products/manual-of-procedures/chapter-9/eng/1350410085712/1350410443059?chap=8
All movement of domesticated birds in and out of, and through this zone is strictly controlled and requires a permit from the CFIA. Movement restrictions also apply to poultry products and by-products, and material that has come into contact with domesticated birds.
Individuals, or businesses, requiring a general permit should verify that they meet all of the requirements specified in the permit before completing the permit form. Anyone moving birds, or related products, must have a print or electronic copy of the general permit with the birds or products being transported.
Questions about the use of general permits can be answered by contacting the CFIA Avian Influenza Permit Office: • Telephone: 604-557-4522 from 0800 PST to 1700 PST daily • Email: BC_NAI_Movement.BC_NAI_Movement@inspection.gc.ca • Fax: 604-557-4512.
CFIA Notice to Industry can be downloaded here.
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