Emerging Issues
On September 26, 2023, Saskatchewan informed the CCVO of a confirmed Anthrax case in one cow in the RM of Cote #271.
Anthrax was confirmed by laboratory results on September 25, 2023, as the cause of death in one cow and is suspected in two additional deaths in the same herd.
Livestock are infected when they eat forage contaminated with spores. Ruminants such as bison, cattle, sheep and goats, are highly susceptible, and horses can also be infected. Swine, birds and carnivores are more resistant to infection, but farm dogs and cats should be kept away from carcasses.
Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness. Anthrax can be prevented by vaccination. Producers in regions that have experienced previous outbreaks are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their animals each year. If a producer's neighbours have anthrax, they should consider vaccination to protect their animals.
Producers are advised to use caution when handling potentially infected animals or carcasses. Animal cases pose minimal risk to humans but people can become infected through direct contact with sick animals or carcasses. In cases where people believe they have been exposed to an infected animal, they should contact their local health authority or physician for advice.
On November 1, 2021, Manitoba informed the CCVO of a confirmed Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) case in a mule deer in western Manitoba.
On October 14, 2021 as part of the province’s wildlife health surveillance program, a male mule deer was observed to be unhealthy and was euthanized in western Manitoba, near Lake of the Prairies. Subsequent testing found the animal to have CWD. This is the first time this disease has been found in Manitoba. Other animals in the area may also have CWD, so to ensure the disease is not spread through the transport of a diseased carcass, Manitoba will be immediately implementing a ban on hunting deer, moose, caribou and elk in the area.
CWD is an incurable fatal disease that affects members of the deer family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and caribou. While CWD is not known as a human health risk, meat from a CWD infected animal is not recommended for consumption.
The province has immediately begun to plan for additional CWD surveillance actions in the area surrounding this finding and has reached out to multiple stakeholders, First Nations, Metis and other groups who need to be aware. At this time, there is no indication of any connection to farmed elk populations. The elk farming industry has ongoing CWD surveillance and there have been no reported cases in farmed animals in Manitoba.
The province will need the full co-operation of the public, including hunters, producers, and land-owners to ensure this disease is contained or even eradicated from the area.
On July 8, 2021, Saskatchewan informed the CCVO of a confirmed Anthrax case in sheep in the RM of South Qu'Appelle #157.
Anthrax was confirmed by laboratory results on July 7, 2021 as the cause of death in one animal in a flock of sheep. It is the suspected cause of death of four additional sheep on the same premises.
Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness. Anthrax can be prevented by vaccination. Producers in regions that have experienced previous outbreaks are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their animals each year. Anyone who suspects anthrax should contact their local veterinarian immediately for diagnosis. All tests must be confirmed by a laboratory diagnosis. All positive test results must be immediately reported to the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer.
Producers are advised to use caution when handling potentially infected animals or carcasses. Animal cases pose minimal risk to humans but people can become infected through direct contact with sick animals or carcasses. In cases where people believe they have been exposed to an infected animal, they should contact their local health authority or physician for advice.
On 30 April 2021, Manitoba informed the CCVO of two separate cases of variant influenza viruses.
Two separate cases of variant influenza (flu) viruses have been found in two unrelated individuals in different communities in southern Manitoba. One is a case of human influenza A (H1N2)v and one is a case of human influenza A (H1N1)v. The cases are the result of two different viruses and based on the case investigations, they are not linked. These cases have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada in accordance with international health regulations.
The two viruses are flu viruses that commonly circulate in pigs. While rare, human infections can occur after direct or indirect exposure to infected pigs.
The human influenza A (H1N2)v case and the human influenza A (H1N1)v both appear to be isolated cases. While these investigations are ongoing, the current assessment is that there is no increased risk to Manitobans, Canadians or the food supply chain at this time.
On 19 February 2021, Northwest Territories informed the CCVO of a rabies outbreak in artic foxes.
Since November 2020, Northwest Territories have had multiple reports of suspected rabid arctic foxes attacking domestic dogs in Tuktoyaktuk. The current outbreak appears to be higher in terms of the peaks seen with the fox/rabies cycles, and because of this, Northwest Territories is paying close attention to surrounding communities in the Beaufort Delta region.
To date, there are nine reports of foxes attacking domestic dogs. Foxes involved in bite incidents and those exhibiting concerning behaviors have been caught and samples sent for rabies testing. So far, five tested positive from foxes and are awaiting further results. Eight dogs have been humanely euthanized due to confirmed or suspected rabies exposure through fox bites, or in some cases, due to presenting with symptoms of rabies following a known or suspected fox interaction.
Strategies for the protection of human and domestic animal health, increased awareness in communities regarding bite prevention/rabies awareness, and enhanced monitoring for wildlife rabies are currently underway, in cooperation with the Departments of Health and Social Services and Environment and Natural Resources.
On 24 December 2020, British Columbia informed the CCVO of mink on second farm test positive for COVID-19 virus
Three mink that died on a second Fraser Valley mink farm have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
The Chief Veterinarian for B.C. Rayna E. Gunvaldsen has placed the farm under a quarantine order prohibiting the movement of animals and materials from the property to minimize the risk of the virus spreading. A plan is in place to provide feed and care to the mink during the outbreak that respects the conditions of the quarantine and maintains both worker and mink safety. No workers on the farm have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.
All mink farms in B.C. are contributing to an enhanced surveillance and testing program to monitor for COVID-19. The farms were inspected by ministry staff as part of a routine process in summer 2020 to ensure they were in compliance with all animal welfare and biosecurity standards, which offer the best preventative measures against disease.
On 9 December 2020, British Columbia informed the CCVO of mink test positive for COVID-19 virus
Test results from five mink samples taken from a Fraser Valley mink farm have all been confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
After several workers on the farm tested positive for COVID-19, mink samples were collected and submitted to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg. The OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health was notified under international reporting requirements.
B.C.’s chief veterinarian has placed the farm under a quarantine order prohibiting the movement of animals and materials from the property. A plan is in place to provide feed and care to the mink during the outbreak. The plan respects the conditions of the quarantine and maintains worker and mink safety.
On 31 October 2020, Alberta informed the CCVO of a human infection with
influenza A(H1N2) variant virus (A[H1N2]v).
According to the report, on October 29, 2020, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was notified of a confirmed human case of influenza A(H1N2) variant virus, marking the first influenza A(H1N2)v detection in a Canadian resident since WHO reporting began in 2005.
A linkage between the patient and a farm is being investigated. No further indications of human illness have been noted at this time.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, and Dr. Keith Lehman, chief provincial veterinarian, issued the following statement on Influenza A(H1N2)v in Alberta:
“A confirmed case of variant Influenza A(H1N2)v has been detected in central Alberta. This currently appears to be one isolated case and there is no increased risk to Albertans at this time. This is the only influenza case reported in Alberta so far this flu season”.