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A popular petting zoo and farm in Calgary has been forced to temporarily close after Alberta Health Services confirms nine cases of avian influenza in poultry.
The agency said Primary Care Alberta was notified Thursday that nine poultry were infected with avian influenza at Butterfield Acres in Foothills County, which also operates a petting zoo.
The facility closed voluntarily from Oct. 13 to Oct. 17, and a formal order was issued by AHS on Oct. 17, officials said.
Butterfield Acres must remain closed until the terms of the order are met and until the public health inspector or medical officer of health determines it is safe to reopen.
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Avian influenza, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, rarely infects humans, but infection has occurred through close contact with infected animals.
Anyone who visited Fureai Farm between October 6th and 12th is being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms.
Anyone who visited a farm during this period and subsequently develops a fever, sore throat, cough or other flu-like symptoms is asked to isolate at home and call HealthLink (811) for evaluation and testing. AHS says when calling 811, select option “2” and then select option “1.”
People who are not experiencing symptoms do not need to call 811, but are encouraged to continue monitoring their health.
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Anyone who visited Butterfield Acres between October 6 and 12 and develops symptoms within 10 days of their visit will also be asked to isolate.
The farm said it is working closely with state and federal health officials to resolve the situation.
Those who purchased tickets for Pumpkinfest, which will be held at the farm on October 25th or 26th, will be contacted if the situation cannot be resolved before the event.
“We would like to thank everyone for their careful attention,” the farm said on its website. “This means a lot to all of us here. Please know that we are taking every little step to get things back on track as quickly as possible.”
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