Advertisement

Avian flu detected at seven Fraser Valley commercial poultry farms

Chickens are seen at a chicken farm that was flooded but now getting back up and running in Abbotsford, B.C., Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Avian flu has been detected at seven commercial poultry farms in B.C.’s Fraser Valley.

The current H5N1 strain of avian influenza is highly pathogenic and can cause serious disease and death in birds.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected the virus at six farms in Abbotsford and one in Chilliwack between Nov. 16 and Nov. 19, according to B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture.

The farms have been placed under quarantine, and other producers within a 10-kilometre radius have been notified, the ministry said in a media release.

“The risk of avian influenza to commercial poultry farms and small flocks increases each spring and fall with the migration of waterfowl and other birds to and through British Columbia,” the ministry said.

Story continues below advertisement

“Since the first 2022 confirmation of avian influenza in B.C. poultry in mid-April, there have been 36 cases in B.C. Eighteen were before June, and 18 since September after the fall migration began. Of the 36 cases, 14 were on commercial farms, 21 in small flocks and one in a captive wild bird.”

Click to play video: 'Small flock owners learn about avian flu at Kelowna workshop'
Small flock owners learn about avian flu at Kelowna workshop

The province has issued a pair of orders in recent months aimed at reducing the virus’ spread.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The province’s chief veterinarian ordered all regulated, quota-holding chicken and turkey producers to maintain indoor operations in September.

In October, they issued a second order banning producers from bringing birds to comingling events, like auctions, poultry swaps and bird shows.

Story continues below advertisement

The avian flu has infected an estimated 200 flocks accounting for more than 3.5 million birds across Canada this year.

After a six-year absence from Canada, it was first detected in Newfoundland last December, and has since been identified in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

— with files from the Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices