The Board is aware of the current shortages to chick placements, due to the 2022 AI outbreak, which caused depopulation of 9 BC breeder premises. As the outbreak is North America wide, import egg/chick supply can also be challenged. The BC Broiler Hatching Egg Commision has rebalanced hatcheries based on the availability of domestic eggs.

The Board is aware of the strain this puts on chicken growers, the burden is shared across the entire chicken industry. There is no compensation available for the impact on chick shortages on your operation. To provide some relief, the Board has temporarily amended the existing carryforward adjustment from 6% to 10% for 6 cycles in the future commencing in quota period A-182. This was sent to industry by way of a memo on March 31, 2023.

The Board expects growers to work together with their hatcheries and processors during this time of crisis. They are also experiencing shortages and have no access to compensation.

Infected Premise (IP) 104 was confirmed positive for highly pathogenic avain influenza (HPAI) on Sunday April 30 at a commercial poultry farm in Yarrow. Primary Control Zone (PCZ) 189 is now in place. Find the PCZ boundaries here.

Due to the high risk of avian influenza in BC, please continue to practice the highest level biosecurity on your farms, adding a physical bench at your barn entry if you haven't already done so. Learn more here.