Canada is on high alert as High Path Avian Flu (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cattle in the United States.
Detections have not been found on cattle or hog operations in Canada. A vet with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency shares more:
“We’re all watching the situation in the United States very diligently, and that informs what we’re doing here in Canada. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in Canada, is a notifiable disease by law. So, any occurrence of that disease, when it is found, has to be reported to CFIA.”
Dr. Martin Appelt, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Veterinarian
Researchers say a virus jumping from one species to another is not rare, so finding the disease in dairy cattle was not a great shock. When it comes to human safety, Dr. Appelt says , the commercial dairy industry is well prepared.
“Pasteurization has been a lifesaver over generations. Pasteurization, done right, has proven to be highly effective in eliminating or greatly reducing most of the pathogens commonly found in milk, and that includes influenza viruses.”
Dr. Martin Appelt, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Veterinarian
Dr. Appelt says the industry has been well prepared for this type out of outbreak for more than 150 years.
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