The Saskatchewan government has extended an animal health control area order due to the avian flu risk.

The order from Saskatchewan’s chief veterinary officer limiting the co-mingling of poultry has been extended to June 14th.

The order prohibits the movement to and participation of birds in shows, auctions and agricultural fairs, as well as other events where birds would be brought together from multiple locations.

The order was implemented April 14th and is updated monthly.

The animal health control area order helps reduce the risk of contact between birds from different locations.

The main source of avian flu spread is linked to wild birds and the risk of disease spread is high through the spring migration season.

Small flock owners are encouraged to confine their birds indoors if possible during wild bird migration.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency estimates 110,000 birds have been affected by the latest avian flu outbreak in Saskatchewan.

Eight separate instances of avian flu have been detected in the province.

The agency has been monitoring an outbreak of avian flu across Canada since mid-April.

Infections have been reported in nine provinces, affecting 68 total premises.

The federal government estimates more than 1.7 million birds have been affected by avian flu across Canada.
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