Spring brings with it field work and planting.
It also means wild birds are now in migration.
And that means commercial poultry and small flocks are at risk from Avian Influenza.
Wild birds are believed to be the source of last year's outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is urging poultry producers to check their biosecurity plans to stop the disease from entering their flocks.
CFIA also advises anyone with respiratory illnesses to avoid contact with poultry.
Seems the H1N1 influenza virus that affects humans can be transmitted to poultry.
Although the impact on birds is not as severe as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, CFIA says prevention is important to minimize the potential for new viruses to develop in the bird population.
There's more information on Avian Influenza and biosecurity on the CFIA's website.
