As the annual migration of wild birds southward begins, animal health experts are cautioning about the looming threat of avian flu returning to poultry farms. Ray Nickel, spokesperson for the B.C. Poultry Association Emergency Operations Centre, shared insights on the industry’s enhanced preparedness based on the lessons learned from the previous year.
Following a relatively calm summer after the challenges faced in the past year, Nickel emphasized that the province remains on high alert. Anticipating increased pressure over the next one to two months, he acknowledged the likelihood of the highly infectious H5N1 strain resurfacing in poultry farms.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, attributing outbreaks to migratory birds, reported 330 infected flocks affecting 7,773,000 birds nationwide as of September 28. Notably, almost half of the affected birds were in B.C., with 104 flocks infected since April 2022.
Nickel, a commercial poultry farmer, expressed cautious optimism that the impact might not be as severe as the previous year but underscored the necessity for robust preparedness. Avian flu spreads through contact with infected birds, their feces, or nasal secretions, posing a particular risk to farm birds allowed outdoors and even potential transmission by humans.
Drawing on protocols developed after a devastating avian flu outbreak in 2004, Nickel highlighted the importance of biosecurity measures, including strict procedures, monitoring entrances, and changes in clothing to prevent infection spread. He noted the evolution of the virus, prompting adjustments in emergency response strategies since last year.
The emergency operations centre, in collaboration with the B.C. ministry, is poised to respond swiftly to any serious outbreak, including the potential culling of birds. Coordination with B.C.’s Agriculture Ministry aims to better equip farmers for an anticipated increase in avian flu cases.
The Agriculture Ministry’s commitment of $5 million supports farmers in disease preparedness, focusing on biosecurity measures, equipment acquisition, training exercises, and research to mitigate infection risks. Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis emphasized the potential devastation of avian flu for farmers, the local economy, and the food supply.
While no human cases have been reported in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency reaffirms the significance of addressing avian flu as an animal disease harmful to birds. Nickel reassured the public that despite the seriousness of the situation, the virus does not pose a threat to the food supply.
