With the fall wild bird migration upon us, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infections occurring in nearby provincial jurisdictions, BC is entering a period of heightened risk.
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Steadfast Biosecurity is Critical
BC’s Office of the Chief Veterinarian issued an indoor order, effective as of September 17. As of that date, all commercial poultry must be kept indoors to minimize interaction with migrating wild birds known to carry avian influenza.
Red biosecurity protocols are effective as of September 29. Following detection of avian influenza on an Alberta commercial poultry farm, the BC Poultry Association’s Surveillance Committee has adjusted the province’s biosecurity level to the province’s highest poultry biosecurity level, implemented when disease or other threat is suspected or present.
In addition to measures taken at the green and yellow levels, farmers must take measures such as closing and locking their gates at all times, and allowing only essential visitors on the farm.
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Protect Your Operation from HPAI this Fall
Take final steps now to ensure you’re prepared for the potential of an avian influenza outbreak this fall.
- If needed, adding physical barriers to barn entryways
- Fixing gaps where rodents and small birds may gain entry. Clear brush where rodents make a home.
- Eliminating standing water that may attract migrating waterfowl
- Clear air intakes and fans of longstanding grim
Routine steps that uphold cleanliness go a long way.
Read more about HPAI prevention measures on the BC Poultry EOC website.
Dead Bird Surveillance Requirements
This year the CFIA’s default will be to conduct dead bird surveillance (DBS) itself, rather than it being producer-led like previous years.
All farms must use a dedicated blue bin with appropriate biosecurity stickers (Farmers must list their CFIA number on the label – it starts with ‘BC.’). If you no longer have the bin provided by the CFIA, now is a good time to acquire a new one. Also review where your bin is stored, ensure it is properly labelled with premises ID and barn numbers, and make sure the bin is easily available.
A Flock Health Attestation form is required within 24 hours prior to shipping or movement – one per premise.
Know Your Zone
The Fraser Valley is now split into 11 predetermined Primary Control Zones (PCZs) — a unique set up compared to other regions in Canada. In the event of an HPAI infection, zones within a 10-kilometre radius of an IP would become active. If your farm, processor, or hatchery is in an activated zone (no matter where the IP is within that zone), a permit may be required to move birds or byproducts.
To determine what zone you are in and for more information about the specific movement requirements in infected zones, visit the CFIA website.
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Contact Support
If you need any support, contact: your relevant commodity organization, the BC Poultry Industry EOC at eoc.admin@bcpoultry.org, or the team here at the BC Chicken Marketing Board at info@bcchicken.ca or 604-859-2868.
Report any unusual wild bird or poultry mortality to the CFIA’s Sick Bird line: 1-403-338-5225 or BC Wild Bird Mortality line: 1-866-431-2473.
Thank you for doing your part in stopping the spread of HPAI.
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