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Bovine bird flu reports still at zero in Canada

Results of a national testing program conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released June 18 showed no evidence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country’s milk supply. "Commercially sold milk and milk products remain safe to consume," said a release from the CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). It was also noted that even if traces of the virus were found, the pasteurization process would have rendered them harmless.


Even though so far the bird flu virus outbreak has been limited to dairy cattle, columnist Steve Kay suspects the beef industry will have a slight influenza cloud over it for a while.

Beef is safe from bird flu

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

Who would have thought that wild birds would roil the U.S. cattle markets? That’s what happened in late March after reports that the highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in several dairy herds and had been introduced by wild birds. Any kind of animal-related disease sends tremors through the markets and raises concerns about everything […] Read more

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Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada

Non-clinical dairy cattle eligible for funded testing

On June 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated their guidance for private veterinarians on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The update noted the expanded eligibility for testing, and that the CFIA would cover lab test fees at any Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab that is approved to test samples in domestic animals. The agency will not, however, pay veterinarian fees for sample collection or shipment to the lab.



Though the spread of avian influenza in dairy farms is increasing, the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. said the risk to humans remains low.  Photo: File

Bird flu continues to spread in U.S. dairy farms

The number of dairy farms in the United States that have reported bird flu among their livestock increased to 94 in a dozen states, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control said the risk to humans remains low. The CDC noted it’s monitoring more than 500 people with 45 tested for bird flu. […] Read more


Test tubes labelled “Bird Flu” and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023.
 Photo: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File

Two dozen companies working to find bird flu vaccine for cows, US agriculture secretary says

Reuters – Twenty-four companies are working to develop an avian flu vaccine for cattle, as the virus spreads among U.S. dairy herds, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters on Wednesday. Bird flu has infected 90 dairy herds across 12 states since late March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Three dairy farm workers […] Read more