Bird flu has spread to a third farm in Oxford County.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says avian influenza has infected about 8,000 turkeys within the established Avian Influenza Control Zone. The first case was reported on April 7 and affected about 44,800 turkeys. Then, on April 18 bird flu hit a farm chicken farm, infecting 27,000.
The control zone was put in place to prevent the spread of the disease from one farm to another. The zone spans across a portion of Oxford County and Waterloo County.
Farms in the area have been put under quarantine and are being monitored for any signs of sickness.
The CFIA is testing the H5N2 strain of the disease in Ontario, which is similar to the strains discovered in British Columbia and Washington State.
Officials say avian influenza does not put food safety at risk when poultry is properly handled and cooked. While the disease can affect humans, the CFIA says it is rare.
Poultry farmers in the area are being asked to take extra precautions and report any suspicious symptoms.
