Avian influenza has emerged in seven different locations within British Columbia’s Fraser Valley in recent weeks, with six new cases detected since Thursday. Local farmers are taking extensive measures to safeguard their poultry against the outbreak.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has verified that seven commercial poultry farms in Abbotsford and Chilliwack have been affected by a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu.
Mark Siemens, an egg farmer in the Fraser Valley, noted the escalating challenge posed by avian flu in the region. He described it as an ongoing struggle for farmers to maintain the safety and health of their birds.
To prevent the spread of the disease, all commercial farms in the province have implemented strict biosecurity protocols. This includes keeping the birds indoors, closing farm gates, disinfecting all incoming vehicles, and requiring all workers to change clothes and wear personal protective gear.
Siemens shared his personal experience with an avian flu outbreak last year, highlighting the emotional toll of having to cull all exposed birds on a farm.
Shawn Hall, spokesperson for the B.C. Poultry Association, explained that avian influenza is primarily transmitted by migrating waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. These birds follow a flyway that passes through British Columbia, increasing the risk of infection for local poultry farms.
Despite the preventive measures in place, infections continue to occur. Ongoing research projects are being conducted to explore additional strategies for mitigating the spread of avian flu, including a study on air filtration in barns.
Hall reassured the public that avian flu does not pose a threat to food safety, emphasizing the stringent regulations governing poultry products in Canada.
Both Hall and Siemens noted a rise in the risk of avian flu since 2022. According to the CFIA, approximately 8.8 million birds in British Columbia have either died or been culled due to the highly pathogenic avian flu subtype, representing a significant portion of the affected bird population in Canada.
