Poultry farms in B.C. under Quarantine

January 23, 2009 – Several poultry farms in B.C.'s Fraser Valley are under quarantine as officials investigate a possible outbreak of avian influenza.

B.C. Poultry Association spokesman Calvin Bruekelman says the Canadian Food Inspection Agency imposed the quarantine on farms within a three-kilometre radius of one turkey producer in Abbotsford, B.C.

Blood from 12-week old turkeys at E&H Farms was taken after the birds showed signs of respiratory distress.  Initial testing showed the presence of avian influenza antibodies.   

The affected farm has 50,000 turkeys and Bruekelman says further blood work from the flock is being processed at the CFIA lab in Winnipeg, with results expected late today.