Hybrid Turkeys says H1N1 confined to one barn

KITCHENER, ON, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - Hybrid Turkeys is confirming that a case of H1N1 is located at one of our barns in Ontario. We are asking the media to respect the strict biosecurity measures in place at our turkey farms. As caretakers to the health and wellbeing of our turkey flocks, we respectfully request that media discontinue visiting our turkey farms. Our stringent biosecurity program includes a shower-in/shower-out policy for anyone authorized to enter the barns, and the limitation of visitors around the farm.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that the cause of an egg production drop in a flock in a single barn of Hybrid Grand Parent Breeding turkeys in Ontario was due to the novel H1N1 influenza virus. Recently novel H1N1 was reported as the cause of an egg production drop in turkey breeding hens in Chile where employees also were seen as the source.

The only symptom in the affected Ontario flock was a decrease in egg production with no associated illness or mortality. The flock is showing normal feed and water consumption and is expected to fully recover, consistent with other flus that are more common in turkeys.

The most likely source of the virus is from human transmission. A limited number of employees prior to the egg production drop exhibited "cold-like" symptoms and one sought medical attention. Employee health is being monitored and some employees are now being tested for the virus.

Influenza is not transmissible from hatching eggs nor through the consumption of turkey meat which continues to be a safe, healthy product.

We have been working closely with the CFIA since the identification of the egg production drop. We received notification of the novel virus late yesterday. A self-imposed quarantine remains in effect and will until the flock is fully recovered.

Hybrid Turkeys, A Division of Hendrix Genetics Ltd.

Hybrid Turkeys, is a primary breeder of turkeys based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada . The company produces high quality eggs and poults for parent stock customers around the world. Hybrid Turkeys has approximately 180 employees working in various locations across Canada , USA, France and Germany .

www.hybridturkeys.com www.hendrix-genetics.com

For further information: Ron Slavnik, Managing Director, Hybrid Turkeys, 650 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, ON, Canada, N2K 3S2, Telephone: [phone], [email protected]; Wilfred Folkeringa, Communications Director, Hendrix Genetics B.V., Villa "de Korver", P.O.Box 114, 5831 AC Boxmeer, The Netherlands, EU, Telephone + 31-485-801911, [email protected]