Avian flu risk continues despite lull, researchers warn

It was a quiet spring for avian influenza outbreaks at commercial poultry operations in Western Canada.

Only two commercial operations, one each in Alberta and British Columbia, have reported infections, compared with the dozens hit in 2022 in both provinces. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have seen no cases so far this year.Last year, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza caused more than 7.5 million birds to be culled.

Despite the calmer situation, researchers are warning the virus is unlikely to have dissipated and producers should remain vigilant as the fall approaches and the migratory birds, which have spread the bird flu across the Americas, return.

Dr. Tony Redford, poultry researcher with B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture, said it’s unclear why there are fewer cases this spring in commercial farms, following a winter when many populations of migratory birds died of the bird flu.