Calgary’s Butterfield Acres Closed Following Avian Influenza Cases

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a closure order for the Butterfield Acres petting farm in Calgary after multiple cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were confirmed. AHS officials reported that they were made aware of nine instances of HPAI at the facility on October 16, 2023. The farm had already taken precautionary measures by closing voluntarily from October 13 to 17 prior to the formal closure order being issued.

The farm will remain closed until AHS officials determine it is safe to reopen. AHS emphasized that while HPAI primarily affects birds, there have been rare instances of human infections occurring through close contact with infected animals. Despite the seriousness of the virus, AHS stated that the overall risk to the public is considered low.

In light of these developments, AHS has advised individuals who visited Butterfield Acres between October 6 and 12 to contact health services by calling 811 if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat. People who visited during this period but are not showing any symptoms are not required to reach out to health authorities.

Understanding Avian Influenza Symptoms

Symptoms of avian influenza can vary significantly, from mild to severe, depending on the specific strain of the virus. According to AHS, the most common symptoms include:

– Fever
– Cough
– Sore throat
– Muscle aches

While the closure of Butterfield Acres is a precautionary measure to protect public health, AHS continues to monitor the situation closely. The organization encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual symptoms if they have had contact with the farm during the specified dates.

In conclusion, the swift response by AHS aims to mitigate any potential risk associated with HPAI. The closure of Butterfield Acres serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity measures in preventing the spread of infectious diseases between animals and humans. As the situation evolves, AHS will provide updates to ensure public safety and health.