Number of B.C. farms with avian flu continues to rise

Two more commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley have tested positive for avian flu, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.

This brings the number of farms in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Kent affected by the virus to 12 since Friday.

The agency says there’s no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the virus to humans.

B.C.’s chief veterinarian says it has been an “unprecedented” year for avian flu, with more than 200 flocks and about 3.5-million birds Canada-wide infected so far in 2022.

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The first confirmation of avian flu in the province was reported in April, and B.C.’s chief veterinarian issued an order in September that requires all quota-holding poultry operations to maintain indoor operations.

Experts have said the current strain affecting poultry operations, H5N1, behaves differently than other infections and instead of remaining isolated in one area it has spread across the country.

The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture says the risk of avian flu to flocks in B.C. increases with spring and fall migration of waterfowl and other birds.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird is encouraged to contact the Canadian Wildlife Health co-operative.

With files from The Canadian Press