On September 26, 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website confirmed two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Alberta. A non-commercial flock in Smokey River Alberta was one of the two locations listed on the CFIA website.
Five cases were reported across Canada in September, after no cases being reported since May. One of the other cases reported earlier in September was also to a non-commercial flock in Red Deer, the others were commercial operations.
While the CFIA does not state it on the website, Small Farm Canada is concerned the outbreaks occurred in poultry kept on small farms.
As we have done before, Small Farm Canada offers 6 tips for disease free birds:
- Keep your birds clean.
- Keep your chicken coop and equipment clean.
- Keep wild birds away.
- Keep visitors at a distance.
- Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
- Be aware of the signs of illness and quarantine at first indication.
For more details, please read out article Health and wellness: 6 tips for disease free birds.