Perth County turkeys: 124,000 humanely disposed after avian flu outbreaks

Four avian flu outbreaks near Listowel led the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to humanely depopulate about 124,000 turkeys; officials report there are about 50 farm-based avian flu outbreaks in Canada, most in B.C.

Four avian influenza outbreaks near Listowel, Ontario, were identified after an initial detection at a turkey farm in December. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency completed an investigation and reported four related outbreaks in the area. As a result, about 124,000 turkeys were humanely depopulated and disposed of by the CFIA. Officials also noted prior outbreaks near Strathroy and that there are roughly 50 farm-based avian flu outbreaks in Canada, with most in British Columbia. Known details: - The CFIA reported the first HPAI detection at a turkey farm near Listowel in December, and ultimately identified four outbreaks in that area. - Approximately 124,000 turkeys were humanely depopulated and disposed of by the CFIA as part of the investigation. - Five outbreaks near Strathroy in November were reported to have led to about 33,000 turkeys being culled. - Officials say there are about 50 farm-based avian flu outbreaks in Canada, with the majority reported in British Columbia. Summary: The depopulation affected commercial turkey operations in the Listowel area and forms part of a wider set of farm outbreaks reported across the country. Officials state there are about 50 farm-based outbreaks nationwide, most in B.C. Undetermined at this time.