Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Please be aware that a number of HPAI infections have been determined positive within the Fraser Valley.

Growers must ensure they are practicing the highest biosecurity at this time as the risk is extremely high.

 The CFIA publishes maps of all the

Primary Control Zones which can be found here.

The Industry EOC and the Chicken Board will continue to send communications on key milestones and keep industry up to date on HPAI.

 Please continue to report any unusual or unexpected mortality to the CFIA’s sick bird line. The phone number is 403.338.5225.

Updates to PCZs that Affect Movement Permits

Primary Control Zones (PCZs) 207 and 220 have now been released into Security Zones. This changes the permit requirements from a specific permit to a general permit for many movements. General Permits are to be submitted directly to CFIA using the “send” button at the bottom of the PDF form. Please check with your Board office or the CFIA maps online if you are unsure what the permit requirements are for your specific farms/movements. 

Post-Outbreak Surveillance Underway

Post-outbreak surveillance is taking place in PCZs 197, 206, 211 and 221. Post-outbreak surveillance is the mandatory testing done via Dead Bird Surveillance (DBS) that is conducted before a PCZ is transitioned into a Security Zone. Producers/growers must participate in post-outbreak surveillance with dead birds from all air spaces. If you do not participate in DBS, the transition from Infected/Restricted Zone to Security Zone may be delayed.

Poultry Ordered to Be Kept Indoors

BC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Theresa Burns, has ordered that all poultry be kept indoors effective October 20, 2023. This Order applies to all individuals who are regulated by:

The BC Broiler Hatching Egg Commission

The BC Chicken Marketing Board

The BC Egg Marketing Board

The BC Turkey Marketing Board

You can read the Order by clicking below

Avian influenza (AI) - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Growers In A 1km Zone (Pre-Destruction)

That Cannot Place Chicks

The Board understands that this is a difficult issue for everyone and there is an obligation for all parties to work together to find a home for chicks displaced by HPAI. Ultimately, a BC101 is a contract between hatchery and grower and growers are responsible to find a barn for their chick placement. We implore growers to find and arrange barns for their chick placements if they cannot place due to HPAI, and work with your hatchery to assist you in doing so.

 Additionally, it is important to notify the Board staff of all changes.



Reminder:

Election Process

Derek Janzen’s three-year term as an elected member of the BC Chicken Marketing Board expires in March of 2024.

 An election will be held to fill the position. 

In the upcoming months, growers will receive emails from Della Oberhoffner from the BC Council of Marketing Boards (BCCOMB).

The BCCOMB is BCCMB’s Independent Election Officer to oversee the election and certify the results. Please ensure her email address is in your contact list so the emails do not go into spam. Her email address is office@bccoga.ca.

A Notice of Election including a timeline, Rules and Procedures for Election of Members to the BCCMB, and a nomination form will be forthcoming from the BCCOMB. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.