Detecting notifiable diseases in poultry
Reportable diseases are named under the Health of Animals Act due to their significant impact on animal health, human health or the Canadian economy. These diseases can affect domestic birds from commercial and small-scale breeding, as well as wild birds.
Canada must ensure these diseases are not present in domestic birds at all times. Their rapid detection on farms makes it possible to limit their spread and their disastrous economic impact for the entire sector.
The 4 diseases that must be declared in poultry are:
An outbreak of one of these diseases can have devastating effects on poultry with very high mortality rates. For a detailed description of these diseases and control measures, please consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website as well as the EQCMA document Detecting notifiable diseases in poultry .
Reporting
Declaration by a producer of a reportable disease in birds from a poultry production site:
- The producer or his employee must immediately contact a practicing veterinarian in the event of a sudden increase in the number of dead or sick birds or an unexplained drop in food or water consumption or egg laying;
- The producer or practicing veterinarian must immediately notify the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the provincial marketing board or EQCMA through its emergency line when a reportable disease is suspected;
- The practicing veterinarian and the laboratory are required to report any reportable disease to the CFIA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec ( MAPAQ ).