The British Columbia government is issuing a warning regarding a surge in avian flu cases in the province, with one confirmed case occurring in a backyard flock on Vancouver Island.
Since October 20th, BC has reported 16 confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, predominantly concentrated in the Lower Mainland region. However, one case was detected in a non-commercial flock in Port McNeill, while another case was confirmed in Merritt.
The remaining 14 cases were identified in commercial poultry farms within the Fraser Valley.
This recent warning comes in the wake of a spate of avian flu cases reported on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia in late 2022 and early 2023.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has verified that birds at eight commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley and two small flocks in Merritt and Port McNeill have tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.
The British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food has been actively collaborating with the CFIA and poultry producers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures in an effort to contain the spread of the disease and safeguard poultry flocks.
Avian influenza typically poses the highest risk of transmission from wild birds, especially waterfowl, to poultry during their fall migration.
In response to this risk, BC’s chief veterinarian issued two important orders in October. The first order imposed restrictions on poultry-related events, including shows, markets, and auctions. The second mandated that commercial farms keep their birds indoors to reduce the risk of contact with wild birds potentially carrying the virus.
To further assist farmers in preparing for and responding to the risk of animal disease, including avian influenza, the province introduced a $5-million Farmed Animal Disease Program earlier in the year.
This program offers financial support for activities such as planning, equipment purchase for disease response, training exercises, enhanced biosecurity measures, and research into strategies for reducing the risk of infection and disease.
In the event of finding a sick or dead bird, individuals are urged to leave it undisturbed and report it to BC’s wild bird surveillance hotline at 1-866-431-BIRD (2473).
Poultry owners who suspect that their birds may have avian influenza should promptly contact their veterinarian, the nearest CFIA animal health office, or the BC Animal Health Centre at 1-800-661-9903.
