October 25, 2023

 

Avian flu detected on British Columbia, Canada poultry farm, culls underway

 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected avian flu on a commercial poultry farm located in Chilliwack city, British Columbia, Canada, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

 

According to Amanda Brittain of the British Columbia Poultry Association, the impacted business is a small free-range farm with an approximate bird population of 8,000.

 

Upon avian influenza discovery on a farm, the CFIA mandates the euthanisation of all birds to prevent further spread, as Brittain explained.

 

Brittain added that the CFIA would collaborate with the affected farm to ensure proper cleaning and insurance compensation.

 

The H5N1 strain, primarily transmitted through contact with an infected bird, its faeces, or nasal secretions, was first identified on Canadian farms in late 2021 and has persisted, affecting various farms.

 

Avian flu outbreaks in Canada typically coincide with bird migrations, occurring in the spring and fall.

 

As of September 28, the CFIA's most recent data indicates 330 infected flocks nationwide, affecting over 7 million birds. A substantial portion of these cases, nearly half, has been reported in British Columbia since April 2022, with 104 flocks falling prey to the virus.

 

Brittain noted that the British Columbia Poultry Association had suspected the presence of avian flu in the province due to findings of dead wild birds. They had also anticipated an outbreak, given last year's significant impact of avian flu.

 

Brittain said that farmers in British Columbia are on high alert and are taking extra precautions, including changing footwear and clothing before entering barns, maintaining consistent equipment sanitisation, and keeping birds indoors.

 

-      Canadian Broadcasting Corporation