The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 at a backyard poultry flock south of Saanichton, marking the first detection of the virus inside the Capital Regional District (CRD) since Salt Spring Island in 2022.
Jean-Guy Forgeron, CFIA executive vice-president, declared a primary control zone Wednesday morning, Nov. 27, six days after the virus was first detected. Per the Health of Animals Act, the order restricts both commercial and non-commercial poultry, including eggs, by-products of the poultry, and “things that have been exposed to such a bird” from travelling into, out of, within or through the zone, roughly centred on Interurban Road.
With a restricted area that extends from James Bay in the south to as far north as Saanichton –– and with 2022’s discovery of H5N1 near Ganges relatively fresh in mind –– local flock owners are being encouraged to follow biosecurity protocols. Salt Spring Island Poultry Club president Elsie Born said the club had advised its members and directed them to protocols from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and that there had been some discussions about promoting biosecurity measures, but no specific campaigns were underway.
“Most folks seem to be keeping their flocks in for the winter regardless,” said Born.
CFIA data indicate more than 50 sites in B.C. — mostly commercial poultry operations — are actively dealing with avian flu infections. In late October, a petting farm in Campbell River shuttered and destroyed about 50 chickens and ducks after H5N1 was discovered in their flock.
At press time, over 7.2 million birds in the province are estimated to have been affected, according to CFIA.
For provincial information on reinforcing flock biosecurity, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/reportable-notifiable-diseases/avian-influenza-ai/reinforcing-flock-biosecurity
Sick or dead wild birds can be reported at 1-866-431-BIRD (2473).