Avian influenza has emerged in seven locations in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley this month, with six cases reported since Thursday. Local farmers are working diligently to safeguard their flocks against the outbreak.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has verified that seven commercial poultry farms in Abbotsford and Chilliwack have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Mark Siemens, an egg farmer in the Fraser Valley, highlighted the escalating challenge of avian flu in the region. He emphasized the ongoing struggle for farmers to protect their birds’ health and safety.
All commercial farms in the province are implementing strict biosecurity measures. These include confining birds to barns, closing farm gates, disinfecting all incoming vehicles, and requiring workers to change clothes and wear personal protective gear.
Siemens, who dealt with an avian flu outbreak last year, expressed the emotional toll of having to cull all exposed birds on a farm, describing it as a traumatic experience for farmers.
Shawn Hall, spokesperson for the B.C. Poultry Association, explained that avian influenza is mainly transmitted by migrating waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. These birds follow a flyway that passes through British Columbia, posing a risk to local farms.
Hall emphasized ongoing research efforts to enhance biosecurity measures and reduce the infection risks on poultry farms. He reassured consumers that avian flu does not pose a food safety concern, as stringent regulations are in place to ensure the safety of poultry products.
Both Hall and Siemens noted a heightened risk of avian flu since 2022, with the CFIA estimating that 8.8 million birds in British Columbia have either died or been culled due to the highly pathogenic avian flu subtype, representing a significant impact on the local poultry industry.