Avian flu derails Alberta pumpkin festival

A popular Calgary petting zoo and farm remained closed for its pumpkin festival last weekend after nine cases of avian flu were confirmed in its poultry.

Alberta Health Services ordered closure of Butterfield Acres on Oct. 17.

Read more:

• Wildlife rehabilitation centres in Regina, Saskatoon issue warning as bird flu spreads
• ‘Very disheartening’: Concern grows after sick, dead geese found in Regina park
• French senators say security at the Louvre is ‘not in line’ with modern standards and demand action

The provincial health services agency says the petting zoo will reopen after the conditions of its order are met.

Butterfield Acres, which also offers activities such as pony rides and goat milking, says on its website that avian influenza cases have been confirmed in some of its birds.

–

The Canadian Press