Aid coming to BC for avian flu recovery

May 11, 2015

More than $1 million being made available

After an outbreak of avian flu in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley that saw seven countries, including the United States ban poultry from the province, help is on the way.

Approximately $1.58 million in funding will be available for poultry producers in British Columbia. The money is aimed at helping them reaffirm their operations and take preventative measures to minimize the risk of another avian flu outbreak.

"The value of government and industry partnership has been evident in our successful response to the avian flu outbreak, and this funding is one more step in that process,” said BC Ariculture Minister Norm Letnick. “By helping BC's impacted poultry farmers recover the cleaning and disinfection expenses they incurred in helping to limit the viruses spread, we're encouraging BC's farmers to continue their hard work in providing local, high-quality foods.”

Young turkeys

The funding will come as part of the AgriRecovery and AgriRisk initiatives – risk management tools under Growing Forward 2. More information can be found using the Canada-British Columbia Avian Influenza Assistance Initiative.

"Governments agreed that Growing Forward 2 ‎would be there for farmers in times of unforeseen economic harm,” said Member of Parliament for Langley, Mark Warawa. “These initiatives will help BC poultry producers deal with added costs of resuming business operations, while helping the poultry sector develop insurance options against future outbreaks."

In 2013, BC’s poultry and egg sector contributed about $547 million – nearly 14% of Canada’s poultry and egg farm cash receipts.

As Canada is just beginning the recovery process, the United States is currently combatting avian influenza in many states.

As a result of the current outbreak of avian flu in the USA, the United States Department of Agriculture is researching a vaccine for the virus.

Join the conversation and tell us if avian influenza was something you’ve ever had to overcome on your farm. What measures did you take to ensure the health of your poultry?

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.