Today Ontario has confirmed a swine flu infection in a turkey operation.
Here is what has been claimed!
The Province of Ontario chief medical officer of health says this outbreak doesn't pose a threat to humans.
The outbreak affected a breeder's flock of turkeys, which don't go into the food chain and therefore aren't a concern for human health, Dr. Arlene King said Tuesday.
"I want to assure Ontarians that the risk to human health from this situation is minimal," King said.
King said the turkeys likely contracted the virus from people.
"We have to do all we can to stop the transmission of viruses between people and animals," King said. "The risk is the potential changes to the virus against which people could have reduced or no immunity,"
King said the producer, whose location was not made public, has quarantined the birds, and provincial officials will continue to monitor the situation.
Dr. Deb Stark, chief veterinarian for Ontario, said influenza viruses like H1N1 circulate among birds, livestock and humans.
Food safety not at risk
King said the infected turkeys do not pose a risk to food safety. She said no birds or eggs from the infected farm have entered the food chain, though she stressed that people should cook poultry thoroughly.
The turkey farm infection in Ontario appears to be the first in Canada and represents the second animal-species infection in the country.
Chile has confirmed cases of swine flu in turkeys as well.
It said turkey meat could still be sold commercially following proper inspections.
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