Veterinarians in Prince Edward Island have been closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza and are optimistic about the federal government’s recent decision to prioritize vaccination for high-risk individuals. The Public Health Agency of Canada has procured 500,000 doses of the Arepanrix H5N1 vaccine to shield against the bird flu virus, a move applauded by Dr. Jason Stull, the head of infection control at the Atlantic Veterinary College.
The purchased vaccine will be allocated to individuals at high risk of exposure, such as veterinarians and those in close contact with infected animals. Sixty percent of the doses will be distributed to provinces and territories in the upcoming weeks, with the remainder being reserved for national readiness.
The Chief Public Health Office of P.E.I. will determine the recipients of the vaccine in the province, following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. While sporadic cases of H5N1 have been detected in wildlife on the island, there have been no reported outbreaks in domestic agricultural settings or human cases. The vaccine will be readily available for farm workers if necessary.
Dr. Stull highlighted the main concern of bird flu transmission to animals, emphasizing the need for caution around wildlife and domestic poultry. Although the virus could potentially spread to humans through the milk supply, the current risk is deemed low. Canadian health officials reported the first domestically acquired human case of avian influenza in B.C. last November, with the patient eventually recovering.
Egg Farmers of P.E.I. assured the public that their biosecurity measures are in place to safeguard poultry flocks and prevent disease transmission. They are prepared to swiftly and effectively respond to any potential outbreak, prioritizing the health and safety of their farms and the wider community.
