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More cases of avian flu in Kelowna

Recent avian flu outbreak first found in Kelowna on April 26
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Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record

Positive cases of the avian flu have been discovered in a second small poultry flock in Kelowna.

The virus was first discovered in the Okanagan on a North Okanagan farm on April 14. The second flock to test positive in the area was on April 26 in Kelowna.

It is one of two new outbreaks announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on May 4, along with a small flock in Richmond. It is presumed by the ministry that the virus is being spread through contact with infected migrating wild birds.

Wild birds have tested positive for avian flu in the Vanderhoof area, Lac la Hache (near 100 Mile House), Bowen Island, Delta and Vancouver.

The ministry is urging owners of small or backyard flocks to stay vigilant and take preventative measures to reduce the contact, like reducing human access, increasing cleaning measures, and sanitizing clothing items when entering areas where houses are flocked.

Producers within a 12-kilometre radius of the infected flocks have been notified by the ministry.

READ MORE: B.C. avian flu spreading debate about bird management

READ MORE: B.C.’s second case of domestic avian influenza confirmed in the Okanagan


@JakeC_16
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com

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Jake Courtepatte

About the Author: Jake Courtepatte

Editor of Kelowna Capital News & West K News since February 2022. I have spent the majority of my career working in the Toronto area as both a sports reporter and a general reporter.
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