Canada: Avian flu detected in Fraser Valley wetlands

The avian flu is considered to be "widespread" throughout the Fraser Valley wetlands, after being detected in wetlands from Delta to Chilliwack, including Langley. The virus, also called H5N1 or H5-HPAI, was detected in the first half of October at Mill Lake in Abbotsford, West Creek Wetlands in Langley, and Roberts Bank Foreshore and the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, according to a notice being sent to poultry farmers or owners registered with the BC Premises ID Program. "The virus has now been detected in wetlands from Delta to Chilliwack and is likely widespread throughout the Fraser Valley," reads the notice, which is being shared across social media. On Oct. 21, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the avian flu was present in three commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley as well. In response, B.C.'s chief veterinarian Dr. Theresa Burns issued a general order two days later which prohibits commingling of poultry in the Lower Mainland. The order requires all ...