Few avian flu cases found in Western Canada

May 16, 2023

It’s been a quiet spring on the Prairies for cases of avian influenza despite fears of an imminent return of a highly contagious strain of the virus.

Two cases have been reported in Western Canada at the end of the first week of May, only one of which has impacted a commercial poultry operation in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.

Amanda Brittian, chief information officer for the B.C. Poultry emergency operations centre, said the latest case, reported at the end of April, is an area dense with commercial operations.

But since then, no further operations have detected an infection.

“It is in an area that is very dense with poultry farms,” said Brittian of the case found in a Chilliwack-area poultry operation. “It’s over 100 farms within the primary control zone.”

Click here to see more...

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.