Poultry producers will have to continue to keep their birds at home as Saskatchewan animal health officials extend the ban on the co-mingling of poultry to limit the potential spread of avian influenza.
The original order which took effect on April 14th to last a month is being extended to June 14th, when once again, officials say it will be reviewed.
The order prohibits the movement to and participation of birds in shows, auctions and agricultural fairs, as well as any other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations, according to the Chief Veterinary Officer.
This year’s Spring Rare & Exotic sale in Lloydminster was cancelled as a result of the animal health order.
Officials say since avian flu was first detected in Saskatchewan in April, they have continued to see outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks.
As a federally reportable disease, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading the highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI response in Saskatchewan and other provinces, with support from provincial governments and the poultry industry.
More information can be found on the CFIA’s webpage.