Alberta’s poultry industry is gearing up for the annual spring migration of waterfowl following last year’s severe avian flu outbreaks, which were deemed the most devastating in recent memory. Scott Olson, a turkey farmer from the Wetaskiwin area, is taking extra precautions, mindful of the risks posed by migratory birds.
Having faced three avian flu outbreaks since 2022, Olson is no stranger to the havoc the disease can wreak. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) culled his birds following each outbreak, emphasizing the need to contain the spread of avian influenza.
The avian flu, naturally carried by wild birds, spreads through saliva and excrement, posing a threat to poultry farms. In Alberta alone, over 2.5 million birds have perished due to avian flu outbreaks since December 2021, contributing to a nationwide toll of 17 million bird deaths.
To safeguard against avian flu, farmers like Olson implement stringent biosecurity measures. These include establishing controlled access zones around barns, regulating entry, and maintaining strict hygiene protocols. Olson enforces dedicated boot rooms for changing into barn-specific gear and limits farm access during peak migration periods to reduce disease transmission risks.
In 2021, Alberta witnessed 26 confirmed cases of avian influenza in poultry flocks, a substantial increase from previous years. The fluctuations in case numbers are closely tied to migratory bird activities, as explained by Teryn Girard from Prairie Livestock Veterinarians.
Despite the surge in avian flu cases last year, the commercial industry has made significant strides in mitigating the disease through enhanced biosecurity measures. Girard commends the sector for its adaptability and proactive approach in combating avian flu.
While Alberta has yet to report any avian flu cases in 2026, the CFIA has confirmed nine cases across Canada, underscoring the ongoing threat. Vigilance remains crucial for all bird handlers, as reiterated by federal authorities in light of recent detections in both wild and domestic bird populations.