Canadian authorities reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N5 avian influenza on a non-commercial backyard poultry farm in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the incident, noting that the detected virus is similar to the H5N5 strain that affected Canada in 2023 and is related to the H5N1 (2.3.4.4b) lineage prevalent in the United States and Europe.
The H5N5 avian influenza virus poses significant risks to both domestic and wild bird populations, leading to substantial economic losses in the poultry industry.
Its spread has disrupted global food supply chains and increased food prices.
The recent detection in Newfoundland and Labrador underscores the virus’s persistent threat and the necessity for stringent biosecurity measures.
In response to the outbreak, local authorities have implemented control measures, including quarantining the affected premises and restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products within the region.
These actions aim to prevent the virus from spreading to other farms and wildlife.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to monitor the situation closely and advises poultry owners to enhance biosecurity practices to protect their flocks.
The spread of avian influenza to mammals, including recent cases in U.S. dairy cows, has heightened concerns about potential human transmission.
While the current risk to public health is considered low, experts warn that the virus could mutate, increasing the possibility of human-to-human transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have recommended preventive antiviral treatments for agricultural workers exposed to the virus.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing avian influenza outbreaks and the importance of coordinated efforts between agricultural and public health authorities to mitigate risks to animal and human health.
