Avian Flu detected in geese on hobby farm outside Halifax, owner ‘devastated’

Avian Flu has been confirmed in a flock of geese at a hobby farm outside Halifax. Almost the entire flock has died in the past week.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the death of a Canada Goose as a result of Avian Influenza — H5N1.

The CFIA is now advising poultry farmers to be vigilant and to apply biosecurity measures at all times.

Since the confirmation of the case, a hobby farm located in Porters Lake has lost nearly their entire flock — 59 of 60 birds within the past week.

“I’m devastated by this. They were my pets.” says Vikki Winkler, the owner of the small hobby farm located outside of Halifax.

The virus can be transmitted between humans and animals, although that is rare.

Sherri Cox is the medical director at the National Wildlife Centre and advises against handling wildlife birds.

“Influenza virus is a virus that mutates quite easily. Think about human flu and how it mutates. So, it can mutate into other forms.”

“I don’t think people should panic, but I simply think, be careful. Wear your PPE, your gloves, you know, your mask to keep everyone safe,” says Cox.