By Jaryn Vecchio

What you need to know about bird flu

Mar 17, 2023 | 1:02 PM

Despite millions of chickens across Canada being impacted by bird flu, there doesn’t appear to be a chicken shortage.

That’s according to the Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan, who told farmnewsNOW in a statement that there’s currently no issue.

“We are in a unique position in Canada, as the flexibility of the supply management system allows the Canadian poultry and egg sectors to adjust production to demand, and we predominantly provide for the domestic market,” their statement read. “We have farmers in every province across the country, which always helps us ensure products for Canadians, even in times of uncertainty.”

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral infection that spreads easily among birds. In many cases, this virus ends up being fatal.

As of Mar. 15, 2023, there were 71 infected premises across the country. This is impacting more than 7.1 million chickens.

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The hardest hit province is British Columbia, which has around half of the infected premises and half of the impacted animals. To help farmers and ranchers, the B.C. government has announced $5 million in funding to help protect farms from animal diseases. This also includes swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.

“It is important that we continue to work together and stay vigilant to protect farmers and their animals, which protects B.C.’s economy and our food security,” said Pam Alexis, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food.

Meanwhile, people worried they can catch bird flu from affected chickens can breathe a sigh of relief.

The Government of Canada has said there’s no public health risk related to avian influenza.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, humans have gotten the virus in the past, however, it’s a very rare occurrence.

“Human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred most often after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with bird flu viruses,” said the CDC.

More information on avian influenza can be found on the CDC and the Government of Canada’s websites.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow