Province funds avian flu upgrades

Fraser Valley poultry farms will receive up to $30,000 each from the province for barn upgrades that reduce the risk of avian influenza.

Announced August 15, the $2.5 million Novel Tools and Technologies Program will fund tools such as air filters and ultraviolet light systems to ensure they’re receiving clean, virus-free air and water.

“Despite implementing enhanced biosecurity measures and keeping birds indoors during migration seasons, farms in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland have still seen approximately 200 outbreaks since 2022,” the province said in announcing the funding.

Upgrades initiated since January 1, 2025 are eligible for funding. The province expects all projects to be complete in advance of the fall migration season, when flocks have proven most vulnerable to infection.

“This program is the result of farmers, government and researchers working together to find practical, science-based solutions to a complex disease challenge,” said Kevin Klippenstein, chair of the BC Chicken Marketing Board and BC Poultry Emergency Operations Centre.

Klippenstein said examples of projects underway include upgrades to heat exchange systems to improve air filtration, complementing the existing system’s control of airflows.

While poultry producers continue to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their flocks against avian influenza, the province lifted an order requiring commercial birds to be kept indoors on June 17.

The order was issued September 17, 2024. No decision has been made on whether to reimpose the order next month in advance of the fall migration season.