Commercial poultry farmers in British Columbia have been directed to relocate their birds indoors for the duration of the avian influenza season. The order, issued by B.C.’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Theresa Burns on September 10, was a proactive measure following avian influenza outbreaks on farms in Alberta.
In response to Dr. Burns’ directive, the B.C. Poultry Association has enforced Red Biosecurity Protocols, which involve heightened sanitation practices and the use of protective gear. Shawn Hall, director of the B.C. poultry industry’s emergency operations center, emphasized the farmers’ commitment to safeguarding their flocks and local food supply.
As migratory birds like geese migrate south, the risk of avian influenza transmission to chicken and turkey farms escalates. Last year between October and January, 81 poultry farms in British Columbia reported avian influenza cases, according to Hall. All commercial farmers with production authorization must adhere to the prescribed orders and protocols.
Under the Red Biosecurity Protocols, poultry farmers are required to follow specific guidelines, including wearing personal protective equipment and thoroughly sanitizing equipment and vehicles. Despite the inconvenience of visitor restrictions and stringent protocols, B.C. farmers prioritize their flock’s safety and compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s standards.
To prevent the infiltration of viruses carried by wild animals, many farmers have invested in specialized ventilation systems with filters in their barns. In the event of an infection in a commercial flock, all birds must be culled according to CFIA regulations. These precautions have been in place seasonally since 2022, following the confirmation of the H5N1 avian influenza strain in British Columbia during a global outbreak.
Hall highlighted the role of wild migratory birds like ducks in transmitting the virus during their biannual migrations. Given British Columbia’s location along migratory flyways, cases tend to peak in the fall due to increased bird activity. Farmers must also ensure the absence of water on their property to deter waterfowl from landing and potentially spreading the infection.
In light of the risks posed by infected waterfowl, Chantelle Abma from Ducks Unlimited Canada advises against feeding wild ducks to prevent disease transmission. Waterfowl, including ducks, can carry and spread avian influenza without showing symptoms, posing a risk not only to other birds but also to humans, pets, and livestock. Abma urges caution around waterfowl and encourages reporting sick or dead wild birds to B.C.’s wild bird reporting line at 1-866-431-2473 to mitigate the spread of avian illnesses.