Outbreak Of Avian Flu Hits Farms In Alberta B.C.

With a confirmed positive case of bird flu on a British Columbia farm in North Okanagan and eight in Alberta, poultry farmers in Western Canada are under considerable pressure to protect their flocks. This is the first time Alberta has been infected with the virus. An outbreak in 2004 in British Columbia devastated farmers. Jean-Michel Laurin, President and CEO of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council, expressed grave concern. “It’s a very serious situation for our industry, obviously,” Mr Laurin said. “We have been on a high alert, I would say, for quite some time now and I know that our producers have been taking biosafety measures on the farms for a long time because we knew there was a significant threat.” In a statement this week, Alberta Agriculture Minister Nate Horner said the latest outbreak was initially found in poultry herds in the eastern United States, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, and in a wild bird in Vancouver. The Canadian Food and Drug Administration is investigating the case, but no one from the CFIA was available for comment Thursday. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said this week that the food industry is making adjustments to maintain supplies of poultry and eggs in anticipation of an outbreak of bird flu in Canada and around the world. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has been detected in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta since late 2021. Positive cases can lead to the killing of entire herds. To date, approximately 260,000 birds have been euthanized or killed by the virus in Canada. About 166,000 of them were in Alberta and 84,000 in Ontario. While most forms of bird flu are mild, H5N1 can cause serious illness and death in birds. The BC Poultry Association has introduced the highest “code red” biosecurity measures, which include strict cleaning and hygiene practices. Farmers change their shoes and clothes many times when moving around their farms and regularly disinfecting incoming and outgoing vehicle tires. “Everything outside can not enter with the animals, the animals must be protected from any external elements,” said Jeff Nottenbommer, a farmer near Letbridge, Alta, and president of Alberta hatchery producers. Lisa Bishop-Spencer, director of communications at Chicken Farmers of Canada, said there was no concern about the supply of poultry products. “There is no problem with supply chains. We want consumers to know that poultry and egg products are readily available. “And, as always, it is safe to eat,” said Bishop-Spencer. “This is not about food safety. “This is a matter for the herd.” In a statement, BC Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said: “The risk to public health is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety.” “I know this is an incredibly stressful time for our poultry and egg producers. They have endured so much in the last two years. “They have shown that they are really resilient,” the statement said. Mr Notenbomer said that if his farm went deserted, it would take about a year and a half for him to return to a normal cycle. “This is the first time we have had a positive in Alberta. And, you know, we jumped to seven positives fast enough. “So all the farmers here are quite worried and upset,” said Notenbomer. “We also have questions, why this year? “What’s different this year when we see this challenge?” Ray Nickel is a poultry farmer in South Abbotsford, BC, and his representative BCPA. Mr Nickel’s farm became infected with bird flu in 2004. “We’ve been through this since BC. in many cases, “he said. “It does not make it easier when you think about range. In fact, it is sometimes worse because we know what it looks like. We do not wish that on anyone. “ Mr Notenbomer said his heart was with the affected farmers, calling the situation “life-changing”. “It is catastrophic. It’s emotional, it scars them, that’s for sure. You talk about what it means to be a farmer, and all we do is take care of our animals. It is our life. And so, when our animals are in distress, we are in distress. “ We have a weekly newsletter for Western Canada compiled by the heads of our offices in BC and Alberta, providing a comprehensive package of news you need to know about the area and its position on issues facing Canada. Register today.