Poultry farmers in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley are constantly preoccupied with the threat of avian flu. This is according to industry spokeswoman Amanda Brittain, who also serves as the chief information officer with the BC Poultry Association. She stated that the industry has placed itself on level “red”—the highest of three levels—in its biosecurity program.
The threat of avian flu is particularly concerning for poultry farmers because of the deaths of millions of birds from infection or culling. Ms. Brittain explained that this fear is intensified as infections spread, particularly since the outbreaks are triggered by migrating wild birds.
Farmers are taking extra precautions to fend off the outbreaks, such as changing clothes and disinfecting vehicles. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported that there have been 39 avian flu outbreaks in British Columbia since October 20, resulting in nearly five million birds dying of infection or being “humanely depopulated.”
The threat of the avian flu is not confined to the poultry industry. There is also concern that a rare human infection of avian flu could cause the virus to mix with human influenza and mutate into something more contagious among people. This has long been feared among scientists as a potential source of the next pandemic illness.
The province has been working with farmers and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on preventing the spread of avian flu, including a $5-million program launched in the spring to help improve biosecurity at farms. However, the risks of avian flu spreading locally continue to be present due to the migratory birds in the area.
For farmers, the situation is reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited physical contact among themselves and a focus on prevention and preparation. The avian flu has also impacted wild birds, putting a strain on animal rescue organizations and showing symptoms such as the inability to stand or fly. Despite the challenges, no one in the industry has expressed a desire to exit the sector.