Interior Health is collaborating with the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC health authorities, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial partners to investigate an outbreak of salmonellosis in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The cases of human illness are related to contact with live baby poultry originating from a hatchery in Alberta.
As of late last week, there have been at least 13 cases of salmonella infection and two hospitalizations in B.C. connected to this outbreak. Several of these cases occurred in the Interior Health region.
Anyone who has contact with live poultry and/or has eggs from hobby farms, non-commercial organic farms and backyard flocks are advised to take precautions to protect their health.
Members of the public who have acquired poultry from a hatchery in Alberta, and are concerned they may be affected by this outbreak, should contact their supplier or their local Health Protection Unit for more information.