November 9, 2023

Egg farms in Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada, hit by avian flu this fall

Seven egg farms in Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada, have been hit by an outbreak of avian flu.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC), since last year, there has been an "unprecedented global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza" — the H5N1 strain — that has infected some mammals, including foxes, skunks and marine mammals. This strain poses a low risk to the public, the BC CDC said.

Mark Siemens, president of the BC Egg Producers Association, said the affected farms between Langley and Chilliwack have been struck this fall amid the migration of wild birds in the area.

He added the current outbreak is disappointing, given all the work Fraser Valley farmers have put in to make their operations more resilient to avian flu.

"We experienced this back in 2004 and we've really worked hard to develop a really strong biosecurity programme that has multiple layers of protection to try and keep those animals safe and healthy," he explained. "But with the strain of the virus we're facing now, we are seeing it get through in some operations, unfortunately."

Provincial Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis said the province is prepared for whatever comes, acknowledging an increase in infections this season.

"Just last summer, we had a $5 million grant programme that went to farmers to help them be more prepared so the message for all of the farmers is to stay vigilant, do everything possible to protect your farm with respect to biosecurity risks, and we will continue to work together alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to combat whatever comes before us," Alexis said.

- Global News