More bird flu cases found among poultry in Nova Scotia

A stock photo showing the inside of a hen farm. (Getty Images)

For the second time in a month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has found cases of avian flu among poultry in Nova Scotia.

Paul MacKinnon, president of the agency, declared a primary control zone in Lunenburg County on Tuesday following the detection of avian flu – also known as bird flu – in the area. The control zone includes parts of Bridgewater, New Cumberland, Pentz and Rhodes Corner.

Control zones limit the spread of bird flu by restricting the movement of commercial and non-commercial poultry, eggs and other by-products.

According to the agency’s website dashboard, the disease was found among poultry at a non-commercial property on March 21.

Non-commercial poultry is defined as flocks with fewer than 1,000 birds and fewer than 300 Anseriformes (waterfowl).

The agency previously found bird flu cases among poultry at a non-commercial property in Shelburne County on March 4 and set up a control zone. According to their website’s dashboard, that zone is still active.

Avian flu can causes sickness and death for birds, and while human cases are rare, symptoms can include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• aching muscles
• diarrhea and abdominal pain
• difficulty breathing

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page