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.

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2 days ago

A draft update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle is now open for public comment until June 12. The code, one of 14 animal care codes developed and maintained by the National Farm Animal Care Council, is undergoing a routine 10-year review. "Your feedback will help shape the industry's guide to cattle welfare for the next decade," says Canadian Cattle Association policy manager Jessica Radau, urging producers to weigh in. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/58a3u9fz.

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I sat in the webinar yesterday by the Canadian Cattle Association. My initial concern was that this would be another "play" into the government's hands. It has been worked on by people that are actually in the Beef industry from Cow calf to feedlot. The thrust is an update of the 2013 Code of Practice which was reviewed in 2018. The changes are more a move from "left to the producers discretion" to clearer directions regarding pain management, proper transport of animals which are impaired and keeping cattle in in good condition. Much of what is recommended is what producers who care about animal husbandry already do. The important part is to GIVE THEM FEEDBACK good, bad or otherwise. The document is about 60 pages long, and I ran it through CHAT to see what had been changed. It is important to understand that the PUBLIC is invited to comment on the draft not just producers. Think about it... do you really want the public influencing how you manage your cattle. If you think that this is just one of those things, I have been following Bill 22 in Alberta which will grant the SPCA a proactive roll in entering farms and checking on animals. When I asked CHAT how the new bill relates to the Cattle Code, it came back that the Code although not a regulation will be able to be used as a guide by producers for backup in dealing with the SPCA regarding cattle conditions, sick animal handling etc. Take the time.... Go onto the Canadian Cattle Association website and speak to those parts that you wish to input.

3 days ago

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4 days ago

At her first AGM as executive director of BC Meats, held Saturday in Abbotsford, Jennifer Busmann spoke about her strong ties to agriculture and her optimism for the organization's future. Busmann has cattle of her own and came to the role with existing relationships with members and the board of directors that helped her feel integrated from the start. She stepped into the position in Februa#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

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Wahoo! Congrats Shannon! I love your produce. Can’t wait for the radishes 🫜

Congratulations!

Well done!! 🩷🩷🩷

1 week ago

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