With a rising number of commercial poultry flocks infected by the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Fraser Valley, many are wondering how it will impact the availability of their Christmas turkey.
The retail supply of turkeys in B.C. is estimated to be down by about 20 per cent.
While the chicken and egg producers of B.C. are not forecasting any shortages at this point, the turkey situation is sa国际传媒渁nother story,sa国际传媒� said Amanda Brittain, spokesperson for the B.C. Poultry Association.
sa国际传媒淭he avian influenza epidemic has made it very challenging for turkey producers and processors to meet the demand for Christmas,sa国际传媒� Brittain said.
For example, Chilliwack had only one poultry farm infected as of Nov. 18.
That total jumped to nine commercial farms infected in Chilliwack as of Nov. 27, and another 47 across B.C., according to , which lists the B.C. cities where this strain has been confirmed, or listed as sa国际传媒渢o be determined.sa国际传媒� It doesnsa国际传媒檛 specify if the infected premises is producing eggs, chicken, or turkey.
Abbotsford has 18 infected premises listed.
sa国际传媒淓verybody is concentrating on protecting the flocks that are still going,sa国际传媒� Brittain said.
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However industry officials donsa国际传媒檛 want anyone thinking there is a food shortage.
sa国际传媒淲e certainly donsa国际传媒檛 want to panic anyone,sa国际传媒� she said.
When Brittain herself was food shopping over the weekend near her home, she said she purposely looked to see if there were frozen turkeys in stock - and there were.
Christmas and Thanksgiving are the two holidays when the demand for both fresh and frozen turkey is at its highest.
But the growing issues with bird flu are not limited to farms, and not limited to turkeys, as evidenced by the outbreak among the wild bird population at Sardis Park in Chilliwack.
sa国际传媒淓very species is being affected.sa国际传媒�
Many people are asking what they can do to help impacted B.C. food producers and farmers.
sa国际传媒淲hat they can do is make sure the eggs, chicken and turkey they are buying, are in fact from B.C. Local farmers will appreciate that,sa国际传媒� Brittain said.
There is no evidence that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit HPAI to humans, according to the CFIA.
As the number of cases of avian influenza continues to rise in British Columbia, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has scheduled two virtual information sessions for B.C. small-flock poultry owners.
The virtual sessions will focus on the avian influenza virus, how owners can protect their flocks and how to prepare for potential impacts if their birds become sick.
The info sessions led by B.C. government veterinary specialists will cover:
sa国际传媒� improving flock or farm biosecurity to prevent disease outbreaks;
sa国际传媒� recognizing the signs of avian influenza and how to report cases;
sa国际传媒� how foreign animal disease regulations affect small-flock poultry;
sa国际传媒� what to expect if a flock is positive for avian influenza; and
sa国际传媒� resources available for non-commercial bird owners, including diagnostic services through the BC Animal Health Centre.
The sessions are free, but registration is mandatory. Both events will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The first session is geared to small-flock owners in Thompson-Cariboo and northern B.C. and will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. online for that session with Eventbrite
On Monday, Dec. 5, the second session will get underway for all B.C. small-flock owners. online for the second session also through Eventbrite.
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