Seven egg farms in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley have been hit by a fall outbreak of avian influenza, and while these producers deal with the deadly and economic impact, nearby wild The biological center is in a state of failure.
The Elizabeth Wildlife Center in Abbotsford takes in sick and injured birds, but the prevalence of disease in the area has prevented its founders from adhering to the required biosecurity protocols. do not have.
“It became a real nightmare because there were so many things involved,” Elizabeth Melnick told Global News.
“We have all the protective gear we need, we use disinfectants and bleach, and it goes on and on.”
Melnick said her center, which receives no government funding, can take in up to eight infected birds a day.
Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that causes illness and death in infected poultry. The virus occurs naturally in wild aquatic species such as geese and ducks and can infect domestic animals such as chickens and turkeys.
Since last year, there has been an “unprecedented global outbreak” of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza that has infected some mammals, including foxes, skunks and marine mammals, according to the BC Center for Disease Control. B.C. CDC says bird flu can also be transmitted to humans, but the strain poses a low risk to the public.
“People who come into contact with sick birds or other animals are at increased risk and should take precautions,” it advises.
Mark Siemens, an egg farmer and president of the BC Egg Producers Association, said seven farms between Langley and Chilliwack were affected this fall by the region’s wild bird migration.
“Unfortunately, we are now in the second consecutive year of an epidemic that is starting to feel very close to home, but economically devastating.” He said. “It’s not built into the cost of the grocery store.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is Canada’s lead agency on this disease. Anyone with a bird suspected of having avian influenza is directed to contact their agency, their veterinarian and the BC Animal Health Center in Abbotsford, which tests for avian influenza.
“Bird owners have a legal responsibility to notify authorities of serious avian illnesses, such as avian influenza. Do not remove sick birds from your property,” the British Columbia government’s website states. I am.
On Oct. 20, the province’s chief veterinarian issued an order to keep chickens and turkeys indoors under B.C. regulations, which do not allow birds to be mixed in the Lower Mainland.
Siemens said the outbreak was unfortunate given all the efforts Fraser Valley farmers have made to increase resistance to avian influenza.
“We experienced this in 2004 and have worked diligently to develop a very strong biosecurity program with multiple layers of protection to keep these animals safe and healthy,” he said. explained.
“However, with the strain of the virus that we are currently facing, we are unfortunately seeing some operations end up with the virus.”
State Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis acknowledged the rise in cases this season and said the state is prepared for whatever happens.
“Just last summer, we implemented a $5 million grant program to help farmers become more prepared. So the message to all farmers is to stay vigilant and be aware of biosecurity risks. “It’s about doing everything possible to protect our farms. We will continue to work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to fight what’s in front of us,” she said.
She also advised people with infected birds not to take them to the Elizabeth Wildlife Center, but instead to consult the BC Animal Health Center, also in Abbotsford.
But with birds still arriving, Melnick said her team is operating solely on donations and is “scraping at the bottom of the barrel.” As of Sunday, there were about 35 dead or dying birds at Cheam Lake and 21 dead or dying birds at the shelter, she added. In addition to other regular calls for bird care unrelated to avian influenza.
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