Over 50 poultry farms in British Columbia have battled avian flu this fall, and it is not just large poultry operations, five (5) backyard flocks have also been infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus since October.
The good news is that the spread is slowing down. As the fall migration of wild birds comes to an end, the risk of transmission between flocks is decreasing. This is a positive sign for the poultry industry and for consumers concerned about food safety.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed 47 commercial and 5 backyard flocks infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus since October. To combat the spread, the B.C. Agriculture Ministry and CFIA are working closely with poultry producers to implement stricter biosecurity measures. These measures include increased hygiene practices, restricted visitor access to farms, and monitoring for any signs of illness in birds.
While the impact on poultry farms has been significant, with close to five million birds culled since April 2022, the public health risk remains low. Avian flu poses minimal threat to human health and there are no current disruptions to the poultry food supply.
Proactive measures are being taken to prevent future outbreaks. The B.C. government introduced a $5 million program this year to help farmers strengthen biosecurity, invest in disease response equipment, and participate in research and training. This proactive approach aims to build a more resilient poultry industry and protect against future avian flu threats.
The slowdown in the avian flu spread is a positive development, but vigilance remains crucial. By continuing to implement strong biosecurity measures and supporting research and training, we can safeguard the health of B.C.'s poultry industry and ensure a safe and sustainable food supply for everyone.