Avian Influenza Outbreaks Rise in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley During Bird Migration Season
In recent weeks, the Fraser Valley in British Columbia has witnessed a notable increase in avian influenza outbreaks, coinciding with the fall migration season of numerous bird species.
According to a report released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, nine commercial poultry farms in the region have been affected by the virus, marking the first new cases in the province since January.
The initial outbreak was identified on October 14 in a poultry flock in Abbotsford, followed by eight additional confirmed cases reported last week. Notably, six of the outbreaks are located in the Chilliwack area, with the remaining three in Abbotsford.
Additionally, British Columbia has been grappling with the impact of avian influenza on its poultry industry, with an estimated 8.8 million birds either succumbing to the virus or being culled in recent years. The province currently has a total of 10 confirmed outbreaks, including an active case at an ostrich farm in southeastern B.C.
The fate of the ostriches affected by the outbreak is pending a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, as the farm owners seek to challenge the cull order issued by the food inspection agency following the outbreak.