Small chicken flock in Richmond tests positive for avian flu

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed two small poultry flocks in Kelowna and Richmond have tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus.

The CFIA believes the flocks contracted the virus through migrating birds.

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These are the third and fourth flocks in the province to have contracted the highly contagious virus, and officials are urging owners of small or backyard flocks to be vigilant.

B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food has notified producers within a 12-kilometre radius of the flocks with positive test results, and the infected flocks are under quarantine. The ministry is also urging owners to take protective and preventive measures such as eliminating or reducing poultry encounters with wild birds, reducing human access, and increased cleaning and disinfection of all items used and worn when entering the flock.

The avian flu is a federally regulated disease, meaning the CFIA conducts investigations into outbreaks, and supports provincial testing, mapping, and disposal.

According to the province, the first confirmation of H5N1 in B.C. poultry was at a commercial producer in the North Okanagan in mid-April. Since then, wild birds have tested positive with the virus in the Vanderhoof area, Lac la Hache (near 100 Mile House), Bowen Island, Delta, and Vancouver.

The Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Program toll-free hotline, 1 866 431-2473, accepts reports of dead wild birds from the public.