After weeks of being shut down due to an outbreak of the highly contagious gastro-intestinal illness, cryptosporidium, in April, Butterfield acres opened its doors on Monday. Butterfield Acres general manager, Tania Katay, says they waited longer than the approved return timeline given by Alberta Health, and veterinarians working with the farm. “She (veterinarian) saw no reason for us to remain closed. The further distance from that day, the more comfortable she was with us returning to regular business.” Said Katay. To eliminate the spread, Katay says they have added gates along certain areas of the farm as a buffer, between the animals, and expanded safety measures. It’s the second closure of the farm in recent months. last October, birds were put down, due to a case of avian flu. “It was a hard hit for us.” Katay Said. “We’ve noticed that kind of same similar pattern with this outbreak as well.” The most current case involved a calf that was initially sick. Katay says they changed the amount of milk the calf consumed, which also can mimic cryptosporidium symptoms. However, it was ill before the change in feeding. “It’s opened our, our thought process and, and how evaluate the animal’s health.” Since May 1, there have been no cases of cryptosporidium from the animals or employees.
