By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan government order restricts movement of poultry

Apr 14, 2022 | 1:00 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — An animal health control order has been put in place in Saskatchewan to limit the co-mingling of poultry.

The order from Saskatchewan’s Chief Veterinary Officer is an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Dr. Stephanie Smith said the order prohibits the movement to and participation of birds in shows, auctions and agricultural fairs, as well as any other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations.

“The spring is our busy season for poultry shows, poultry sales, swap meets and events of that nature,” Smith said. “Given that we’re in the migration season, we’ve got that risk for avian influenza.”

The order applies to any bird species that are raised for food, display or pets, as well as bird species that are used for sport or protection, including commercial and non-commercial poultry. Smith said there are certain instances where normal business can continue to be carried out. That information is available on the Ministry of Agriculture website.

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The order will be in place until May 14 when the situation will be reviewed.

HPAI has been detected in multiple provinces in Canada with Saskatchewan reporting its first case in waterfowl on April 8. Several provinces have been or are currently experiencing outbreaks in domestic poultry, most recently in Albert and Ontario.

Smith said whether you’re a poultry owner or producer, prevention is the best medicine.

“The risk is very imminent through migration season so just a reminder, keep going with those best management practices. Keep your birds inside if at all possible, limit exposure to visitors, use barn specific clothing and footwear to prevent tracking in any disease and keeping your birds away from wild birds if possible,” Smith said.

If you feel that your animals may have contact with highly pathogen avian influenza, connect with your veterinarian.

If it’s a domestic bird, or on the wildlife side, connect with Ministry of Environment or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW