Alberta Health Services (AHS) has reported that 17 individuals, including 10 children, have been recommended for testing following the identification of nine cases of Influenza A H5, also known as avian flu, in poultry at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm. All symptomatic workers at the farm are undergoing testing.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 was detected at the farm. Currently, there are no confirmed human cases, with three negative test results and the rest pending. All 17 individuals being tested had visited the farm.
Influenza A H5 primarily impacts birds, with human infections being extremely rare. AHS is closely monitoring the situation and investigating individuals who showed flu-like symptoms between October 6 and October 12 at the farm.
Butterfield Acres Petting Farm voluntarily closed from October 13-17 and received a formal closure order from AHS on Friday, remaining closed since then.
According to Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, migratory birds could be the likely source of the recent exposure to avian flu. The presence of avian influenza on a farm focused on human interaction raises concerns about increased human infection risks, especially during the regular flu season.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has taken precautions following confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in close proximity. The zoo has implemented additional measures to protect its avian species from potential contamination, including moving all birds indoors and closing specific aviaries.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, noted that surveillance of avian flu in the province has been effective. Avian flu outbreaks have impacted various regions, including the U.S., with reported cases in cows affecting food and egg production.
In response to Alberta’s outbreaks, B.C. has instructed commercial poultry farmers to move their flocks indoors until the avian influenza season ends. Severe illness from avian flu remains rare, with limited person-to-person transmission reported.
Visitors to Butterfield Acres Petting Farm between October 6 and 12 are advised to self-monitor for symptoms of avian flu, such as pink eye, fever, fatigue, body aches, and respiratory issues. Those with symptoms are recommended to isolate at home and contact Health Link at 811 for assessment. Additional information is accessible on the AHS website.