Avian Influenza Information

• Report on the Canadian Poultry Industry Forum - December 2004 [1 MB]

News Releases

2005

• Fraser Valley Poultry Farms Free of Avian Influenza
  [December 10, 2005]
• Virus in B.C. Duck Confirmed as Low Pathogenic Strain [November 20, 2005]
• Precautionary Quarantine in Place at Fraser Valley Farm [November 18, 2005]

2004

• Avian Influenza Outbreak Review Identifies Next Steps [October 28, 2004]
• Composting Site Approved for Non-Infected Birds [April 21, 2004]
• Coordinated Disposal Plan Speeds Avian Flu Clean Up [April 16, 2004]
• Premier Announces Resources to Address Avian Influenza [April 16, 2004]
• Order Ensures Safe Poultry Disposal Options [April 11, 2004]
• Order Clears Way for Swift Action on Avian Flu [April 2, 2004]

Background:

Avian Influenza was detected at a poultry farm near Abbotsford in the Fraser Valley in mid-February 2004.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) quarantined the farm and ordered the birds destroyed. CFIA also put restrictions on the movement of birds and poultry products in the area, but the disease spread to other nearby farms. While the disease is fatal to poultry, there appears to be no significant risk to human health.

In early April, the poultry industry suggested depopulation of all 20 million commercial birds in the Fraser Valley from Vancouver to Hope (see map).

• Birds in infected flocks would be destroyed immediately, while healthy flocks could mature and move to market.
• No birds would be replaced until the entire area was depopulated and declared disease-free.

This strategy was adopted by CFIA but the disease continued to spread.

On April 16th, Premier Campbell ordered the Provincial Emergency Program to support the CFIA in eradicating the disease. A target date of May 21st was set for the complete depopulation of poultry in the area.

In total, the CFIA had confirmed Avian Influenza at 42 commercial farms.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries is responsible for providing options for the safe disposal of birds that must be destroyed. Also involved in dealing with the outbreak are:

• the Provincial Health Officer
• the Fraser Health Authority
• Health Canada
• BC Ferries
• Ministry of Water, Air and Land Protection

General Information

• Minister's Message [April 27/04]
   
• Questions and Answers - Avian Influenza Disposal [58 kb ]

Contact Information

Province of BC Media line – 1-800-663-3456

CFIA Media Questions – 1-613-228-6682

CFIA toll-free line for public questions – 1-800-442-2342

Last Updated: December 15, 2005