Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is working with federal officials of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at a quarantined turkey-breeding operation in Manitoba. Manitoba has a comprehensive federal-provincial-producer plan to respond to avian influenza and the plan is being implemented.
• Some Manitoba turkeys have tested positive for an H5 strain of bird flu. There is no evidence this is the Asian strain of H5N1 influenza and it is considered highly unlikely it will be. There is no indication of any human illness.
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will lead the response to this situation. Veterinarians and other specialized staff from MAFRI are working closely with CFIA and assisting with the response.
• Workers at the breeding operation are being contacted and offered preventive antivirals.
• Further testing by federal officials is continuing with the support of MAFRI.
• The risk of impacts on humans is considered very low at this time.
• Human consumption of turkey products continues to be safe if the meat is properly prepared and cooked.
