BC farmers see a break from avian flu outbreaks after culling 8.7M birds, yet anxiety remains over future wild bird migrations and virus spread.
Relief After Years of Avian Flu Devastation
British Columbia farmers are experiencing a temporary reprieve from the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu that has plagued the region for over three years, resulting in the culling of more than 8.7 million birds across hundreds of farms.
This toll represents over half of Canada’s national bird loss of 14.5 million due to the virus.
Economic and Emotional Toll on Farmers
Many farmers, including Ray Nickel of Abbotsford, have either relocated their operations outside the Fraser Valley or exited the poultry industry entirely. Nickel’s farms alone lost 60,000 chickens in 2022 and 9,000 turkeys in 2023 to the disease.
The recurring outbreaks, especially in fall migration seasons, have caused significant stress and uncertainty among producers.
Current Status and Biosecurity Measures
As of April 2025, infection protocols have been enacted 239 times in BC, but only six premises remain infected.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues strict quarantine and culling procedures to contain outbreaks, emphasizing biosecurity to prevent virus spread.
Concerns Over Future Wild Bird Migrations
Scientists and farmers remain cautious about upcoming wild bird migrations, which historically bring higher risks of avian flu outbreaks in the fall due to prolonged bird stopovers in the Fraser Valley.
The virus’s persistence in wild populations complicates prediction and prevention efforts.
Human Health and Safety
Human cases of H5N1 remain rare, with only one domestically acquired case reported in Canada in late 2024. The CFIA assures that properly handled poultry and eggs pose no risk to consumers.
Vaccination efforts target high-risk groups such as farm workers exposed to infected birds.
This evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between agricultural livelihoods and wildlife disease management in British Columbia. Farmers remain vigilant as they navigate recovery and prepare for future challenges.
