A North Okanagan poultry farm remains under quarantine following the discovery of avian influenza on the property last week.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza on the Enderby-area farm on April 13.
The CFIA has begun an investigation and has established movement control measures on other farms in the area.
A map on the CFIA website shows the infection zone between Enderby and Grindrod, and a primary control zone spreading out from that in all directions, to prevent the spread of the bird flu.
The control zone was established on Saturday.
It limits movements to control the spread of the virus and maintain Canadian access to export markets.
All movement of domestic birds in and out of and through the zone is strictly controlled and requires a permit from the CFIA. Movement restrictions also apply to poultry products and by-products, as well as material that has come into contact with domesticated birds.
In a notice to industry, the CFIA says avian influenza "is spreading in wild bird populations across the globe and presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada. The CFIA continues to remind anyone with poultry or other susceptible birds to practise good biosecurity habits to protect them from infectious animal diseases."
The outbreak is on a broiler chicken farm, with test results confirmed last week by the CDC lab in Burnaby.
Avian influenza can be transmitted directly from bird to bird through secretions and feces, and indirectly through human movement, contaminated feed, water, and equipment.
In response to the outbreak, the province has ordered that all commercial poultry flocks in the province with more than 100 birds be moved indoors until the spring migration ends in May.
If avian influenza is suspected, poultry producers should immediately contact their local veterinarian or the provincial Animal Health Centre for advice and information.
