Chilliwack session to provide tips on recognizing, preventing avian flu

The Department of Agriculture and Food will hold an information session for small flock poultry farmers on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in Chilliwack.

The session will focus on the avian flu virus, how owners can protect their flocks and how to prepare for the potential impact if their birds become ill.

The session will be chaired by BC government veterinary specialists. Participants will learn the following:

• Improving herd or farm biosecurity to prevent disease outbreaks;
• recognizing the signs of avian influenza and reporting cases;
• how foreign animal health regulations affect small poultry;
• what to expect if a flock is positive for avian influenza; and
• resources available to non-commercial bird keepers, including diagnostic services through the BC Animal Health Centre.

Participants will receive a free biosecurity kit with tools and information to maintain good biosecurity practices.

Although the session is free to attend, seating is limited and registration is mandatory. Register online:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/avian-influenza-information-session-for-small-flock-poultry-chilliwack-tickets-410103058287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The Chilliwack session is from 8:30am to 1:00pm at Yarrow Hall.

The risk of avian influenza to commercial poultry farms and small flocks increases each spring and fall as waterfowl and other birds migrate into and through British Columbia.

Fast Facts:

• Avian influenza is a federally regulated disease and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading the investigation and response with provincial support for testing, mapping, surveillance and disposal.
• Wild birds have also tested positive for H5 strains of avian flu in several regions of the province.
• On October 14, 2022, the chief veterinarian issued a general decree obliging all bird managers not to bring birds to events such as poultry markets, auctions, flea markets, bird shows, trade fairs, public exhibitions or competitions where birds from multiple sources would be present.
• The Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Program Hotline, 1.866.431-2473, accepts public reports of dead wild birds.
• Since mid-April, the CFIA has confirmed 27 cases of avian flu in commercial and small flock poultry in communities across BC. This is an extension of an ongoing North American outbreak.

Learn more:

Information from the CFIA on the current status of bird flu in Canada:
https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/response-to-detections-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-/eng/1640207916497/1640207916934

CFIA factsheet on avian flu:
https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/fact-sheet/eng/1356193731667/1356193918453#a2

Information from the Department of Agriculture and Food on avian flu, including what to look out for, resources for small flock owners, orders from the Deputy Chief Veterinarian and information on testing:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/reportable-notifiable-diseases/avian-influenza-ai