The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed a local farm is positive for Avian Influenza. For confidentiality purposes, the location cannot be shared. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is encouraging all poultry producers to follow biosecurity best practices to protect their flocks, and to report sick or dead wild birds to 1-866-431-BIRD (2473). All livestock producers are also encouraged to sign up for the Premises ID program so that the Ministry can reach producers quickly to protect their animals during emergencies like wildfires, floods, or animal disease outbreaks.
For information about the ongoing avian influenza response:
BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food: Avian Influenza (gov.bc.ca)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)
Small flock owners can call the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s hotline at 1-888-221-7141, 8:30am – 4:30pm PT (Mon–Fri, excluding stat holidays).
