Commercial poultry farmers in British Columbia have been directed to house their flocks indoors this autumn during the avian influenza season. The indoor housing order was issued on September 10 by B.C.’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Theresa Burns, as a precautionary measure following avian influenza outbreaks on farms in Alberta.
In compliance with Dr. Burns’ directive, the B.C. Poultry Association has adopted Red Biosecurity Protocols, which entail heightened sanitation practices and the use of protective gear. Shawn Hall, director of the B.C. poultry industry’s emergency operations center, emphasized the farmers’ commitment to minimizing risks to safeguard their flocks and local food supply.
The migration of wild birds such as geese can elevate the risk of avian influenza transmission to chicken and turkey farms as they fly south. Last year, between October and January, 81 poultry farms in British Columbia reported cases of avian influenza, as noted by Hall.
All commercial farmers holding quota, which authorizes them to produce eggs for commercial purposes, are required to adhere to the prescribed orders and protocols. The implementation of red biosecurity protocols mandates strict guidelines for poultry farmers, including the use of personal protective equipment and thorough sanitation of equipment and vehicles.
Despite the inconvenience posed by visitor restrictions and stringent protocols, farmers prioritize the safety of their flocks and adhere to the high standards set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Measures such as installing specialized fans and filters in barns are taken to prevent the entry of viruses carried by wild animals.
In the event of an infection in a commercial flock, all birds must be culled in accordance with CFIA regulations. These precautions have been enforced seasonally since 2022 when the H5N1 strain of avian influenza was first detected in British Columbia during a global outbreak.
The risk of avian influenza transmission from wild birds underscores the necessity for farmers to prevent water accumulation on their properties, where migrating waterfowl may land. Chantelle Abma from Ducks Unlimited Canada cautioned against feeding wild ducks, as waterfowl can carry the virus without displaying symptoms, posing a risk to other birds, mammals, and livestock, including humans.
Abma urged the public to report any sick or dead wild birds to B.C.’s wild bird reporting line to help prevent the potential spread of illnesses like avian influenza.
