The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed on Monday, October 13, that a premise in Abbotsford, BC, is confirmed positive for infection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This is the first infected premise in BC during the fall 2025 wild bird migration.
The affected barn will be depopulated on October 15, and the rest of the flock within the following days.
If you keep birds of any kind and suspect your flock is infected, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
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The CFIA has initiated Primary Control Zones (PCZs) 4, 5, 6, and 10 for the Fraser Valley. While the one confirmed infected premise is in PCZ 5, zones that are within 10km are also set as Infected Zones (IZs).
For more about control zones in the BC Fraser Valley, visit this CFIA website.
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Moving commercial flocks that are in an Infected Zone (IZ) must follow strict protocols in an attempt to ensure healthy flocks and halt the spread of infection. These include:
- Dead Bird Surveillance (DBS) protocol, which must be done using CFIA Sampling Kits and steps, within 72 hours before any flock movement from (but not within) an IZ—the CFIA will not issue a movement permit without this. Read more in the CFIA Avian Influenza Handbook Section 8. Sampling Kits may be picked up at the BC Chicken Marketing Board office in Abbotsford.
- a Flock Health Attestation (FHA) form, per premise, submitted within 24 hours before any flock movement from or within an IZ—the CFIA will not issue a movement permit without this. Growers may find that in the Grower Portal Login.
- a movement permit granted to place or move chicks or chickens—including their products, byproducts, or equipment.
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Reminder: The BC Poultry Association made the decision on September 10 to shift to Red Biosecurity. At the same time, BC’s Chief Veterinary Officer implemented an Indoor Housing Order for all commercial poultry.
For more about the specific movement requirements in Infected Zones, or to learn about what to expect if your birds are infected, visit this gov.bc website.
Thank you to the entire chicken-growing industry for its cooperation following these safety measures. Together we can stop the spread of Avian Flu.
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To report dead wild birds, please call 1-866-431-BIRD (2473). For more, read the BC Government’s 2023 Wild Bird Mortality and Flu Surveillance Program. Please do not touch live, sick, or dead wild birds.