An outbreak of avian flu has been reported on a Chilliwack poultry farm.
It乌鸦传媒檚 the first confirmation of the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in B.C. this fall, according to a Oct. 21 order of a primary control zone declared by Canadian Federal Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The outbreak is on a commercial egg farm in Chilliwack, where 8,000 layers were producing free-range eggs, said Amanda Brittain, information officer with the B.C. Poultry Association.
乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檝e been expecting this,乌鸦传媒� Brittain said. 乌鸦传媒淲e know that avian influenza moves with the fall migration of wild birds.乌鸦传媒�
Humane euthanization of the infected chickens took place in Chilliwack on Oct. 22.
Poultry producers are moving to 乌鸦传媒渞ed-level biosecurity regulations,乌鸦传媒� in response.
乌鸦传媒淭hat means all farmers are taking extra precautions to keep their flocks safe,乌鸦传媒� she said.
RELATED:
Precautions include changing footwear and clothes before entering barns, consistent sanitization of equipment, and keeping birds indoors.
B.C. Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis said the federal CFIA has the lead on this file, but she did confirm they are dealing with one case so far confirmed in Chilliwack.
乌鸦传媒淚 can tell you there is no risk at all to the health of British Columbians; no shortages of food, or any of that. We乌鸦传媒檙e just dealing with the one case right now.乌鸦传媒�
The province spent $5 million this past spring on education trying to get industry prepared for further outbreaks.
Asked if the minister had advice for farmers, she advised they: 乌鸦传媒渇ollow those biosecurity standards to a tee, to ensure the safety of your flocks.乌鸦传媒�
