Chilliwack small-flock poultry owners invited to attend avian flu session in Yarrow on November 1

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To extend that preparation to smaller operations, B.C. government veterinary specialists will host public information sessions in 11 communities for small-flock poultry owners to help them prevent, recognize and report the virus. The sessions are being scheduled for late September until November to reach small flock owners in the Cariboo, Okanagan, Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Prince George area and Vancouver Island, with the schedules and locations to be announced once confirmed.

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The Tuesday, November 1 session is being led by B.C. government veterinary specialists. Attendees will learn about:

* improving flock or farm biosecurity to reinforce against disease outbreaks;

* recognizing the signs of avian influenza and how to report cases;

* how foreign animal disease regulations affect small-flock poultry;

* what to expect if a flock is positive for avian influenza; and

* resources available for non-commercial bird owners, including diagnostic services through the BC Animal Health Centre.

Attendees will receive a free biosecurity kit containing tools and information to help maintain good biosecurity practices.

Although there is no cost to attend the session, seating is limited and registration is mandatory. Register online:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/avian-influenza-information-session-for-small-flock-poultry-chilliwack-tickets-410103058287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The Chilliwack session will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Yarrow Hall.

The risk of avian influenza to commercial poultry farms and small flocks increases each spring and fall with the migration of waterfowl and other birds to and through British Columbia.

* Avian influenza is a federally regulated disease and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) leads the investigation and response with provincial support for testing, mapping, surveillance, and disposal.

* Wild birds have also tested positive for H5 strains of avian influenza in multiple regions of the province.

* On Oct. 14, 2022, the chief veterinarian issued a general order requiring all people responsible for birds to not take birds to events such as poultry swaps, auctions, flea markets, bird shows, fairs, public displays or competitions where birds from multiple sources would be present.

* The Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Program hotline, 1-866-431-2473, accepts public reports of dead wild birds.

* Since mid-April, the CFIA has confirmed 27 cases of avian influenza in commercial and small poultry flocks in communities throughout B.C. This is an extension of an ongoing North American outbreak.