The First Nations Health Authority is issuing this message to make sure that all First Nations individuals living in British Columbia below Highway 16 are aware that, due to the outbreak of Avian Influenza H5N2 in a number of barns in the Abbotsford area, there is now a restriction on moving any birds from where they are normally kept. Until otherwise announced, any movement of a bird or birds requires a permit.

Please note that Avian Influenza H5N2, although very dangerous to birds, is not a threat to human health.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) attempts to control Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) outbreaks in a number of different ways. Controlling movement of birds, including pets, by requiring and issuing permits during a NAI disease outbreak ensures the confinement of the disease within the Primary Control Zone.

Anyone moving birds, including pet birds, or related products must meet the permit conditions and requirements, and have a print or electronic copy of the general permit with the birds or products being transported.

Please see the following link regarding the instructions for anyone wishing to move birds and wishes to know how to get a permit: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/primary-control-zone/permits/eng/1418042485013/1418042485919

For more information regarding the current Avian Influenza situation please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA)web site at the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/eng/1323990856863/1323991018946

Read Fraser Health's "Avian Influenza in the Fraser Valley" Dec. 4, 2014 communication:  http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your_health/mhoupdates/2014/avian-influenza-in-the-fraser-valley

You may also wish to refer to the following links on FAQs and Fact Sheets:

General: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/questions-and-answers/eng/1417708698033/1417708698892

Avian Influenza Fact Sheet: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/fact-sheet/eng/1356193731667/1356193918453

Avian Influenza and Pets Fact Sheet: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/avian-influenza-and-pets/eng/1375992449648/1375992451039

Qs & As Regarding the Primary Control Zone: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/ai/primary-control-zone/questions-and-answers/eng/1417999708878/1417999768766

In addition, the Province of British Columbia has indicated that emergency services in most communities within the primary control zone will not be affected. Police, fire and medical first responders can respond to calls as usual except for premises in the infected zone.