An outbreak of avian flu has been identified in seven locations in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley this month, with six incidents reported since Thursday. Local farmers are taking extensive measures to safeguard their flocks.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has verified that seven commercial poultry farms in Abbotsford and Chilliwack are affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Mark Siemens, an egg farmer in the Fraser Valley, expressed the escalating challenge of dealing with avian flu in the region.
Siemens highlighted the annual struggle faced by farmers to ensure the safety and health of their birds. All commercial farms in British Columbia are currently under strict biosecurity protocols, including confinement of birds in barns, closure of farm gates, disinfection of incoming vehicles, and mandatory use of personal protective equipment by all workers.
Following his own experience with an avian flu outbreak last year, Siemens emphasized the emotional toll on farmers, who are required to cull all exposed birds on infected farms. 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 that pass through the region.
Despite the preventive measures in place, infections persist, prompting ongoing scientific research collaborations with the province. Hall mentioned a specific study focusing on air filtration in barns to mitigate the risk of avian flu spread. He reassured consumers that avian flu does not pose a food safety threat, emphasizing Canada’s stringent food safety regulations.
Both Hall and Siemens noted an increase in the risk of avian flu since 2022. The CFIA reported that over 8.8 million birds in British Columbia have either died or been culled due to the highly pathogenic avian flu subtype, representing more than half of the total affected birds in Canada. The impact has been particularly devastating for smaller family-run poultry farms in the province, which play a crucial role in providing local food to British Columbians.