Preliminary testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza on a duck farm near St. Catharines, Ontario. Further testing by the CFIA is underway.

The agency said last week that the H5 avian influenza virus was found in 12-week-old ducks on the commercial farm, and more testing will be conducted to confirm which strain is present.

The CFIA has placed the farm under quarantine to control disease spread and will determine a surrounding surveillance zone for further testing and movement control measures. The industry has been notified to adopt enhanced biosecurity practices, establishing an Avian Influenza Control Zone in Ontario to control the movement of animals, products and equipment in the area.

The boundary of the Avian Influenza Control Zone covers a 3 km radius from the infected farm.

All birds on the infected premises, about 14,000 ducks, will be euthanized and disposed of in accordance with provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease control guidelines. Once all birds have been removed, the CFIA will oversee the cleaning and disinfection of the farm.

Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery covered Avian influenza in May 2015 and September 2015 special reports.

Read more: Avian influenza's impact on the bakery industry (May 2015)

Avian influenza 2015: an industry update (Sept. 2015)