Low-path H5N2 Confirmed in Manitoba

November 25, 2010, Winnipeg – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that the virus detected in a commercial poultry operation in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, Manitoba is low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza.

November 25, 2010, Winnipeg – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that the virus detected in a commercial poultry operation in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, Manitoba is low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza.

The agency has also quarantined a nearby hatchery and two other farms that had contact with the turkey operation.

This is the first outbreak of Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) detected in the province of Manitoba.
The farm has been quarantined by the CFIA and investigation will be conducted in compliance with the Canada's Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard Specific Plan. A stamping out policy will be applied.
Preliminary results from the National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg indicate the presence of a H5N2 subtype avian influenza virus (PCR).

Sequence analysis of the PCR products indicates that the cleavage site is consistent with low pathogenic avian influenza virus H5. Closest matches (99 per cent identity) in Genbank are to North American H5N2 viruses from wild birds.

Virus isolation is underway and additional testing is to come, including the intravenous pathogenicity index test.

NAI surveillance has been in place in domestic poultry in Canada for many years and this outbreak is limited to the province of Manitoba.