Bird Flu continues to spread across B.C.

BRITISH COLUMBIA— The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed eight commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley have tested positive for the virulent H5N1 virus. This increases the total number of confirmed cases to 16 since October 20, 2023.

Fall is typically when the disease is at highest risk of spreading, due to wild birds migrating south and spreading to poultry on farms or in backyard flocks.

B.C.’s chief veterinarians introduced two orders in October to reduce the risk of the virus spreading by adding restrictions on poultry showcases, markets and auctions, as well as an order for commercial farms to keep their birds indoors.

The Province also introduced a new $5-million Farmed Animal Disease Program earlier in the year that will help farmers prepare for the risks of animal disease, such as avian influenza. The program helps fund the planning an purchasing of equipment needed for disease response, training exercises, enhanced bio-security, and the research and implementation of strategies to reduce the risk of infection and disease.