Poultry producers across the Prairies have boosted their biosecurity measures to stop the spread of avian flu that is devastating flocks in southern British Columbia.
Even though the Rocky Mountains and thousands of kilometres divide B.C. and prairie producers, the possibility of avian flu finding its way into prairie barns is a serious concern, said the general manager of the Alberta Chicken Producers.
“The threat is very real,” said Lloyd Johnston. “There are tons of people with relatives in B.C..”
Vehicle traffic plus people walking around the farms are believed to have spread the disease between the poultry barns in southern B.C., which started with one barn and has now spread to 18.
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While security measures are generally high in poultry barns, producers are increasing their efforts.
“We’ve asked Alberta producers to move their own biosecurity up to the highest possible level,” Johnston said.
Producers have been asked to control the traffic in and out of their barns, change their footwear and clothing after leaving barns, and limit the vehicles entering their farmyards.
“There are people now that absolutely forbid people to go into their barn,” said Johnston.
Dawn Ius, manager of marketing and communication with the Alberta Turkey Producers, said the group has also asked its producers to tighten security.
“We’re definitely restricting access to all barns,” said Ius, who added that during the group’s recent annual meeting, producers were given an update on symptoms and protocol if the disease is found.
“We’re trying to make producers more aware,” she said.
Fred Homann, general manager of the Manitoba Chicken Producers, said if producers are following on-farm food safety programs there is no need for extra biosecurity protocols.
“There’s nothing added needed if they’re following their protocols,” said Homann.
Van Stewart, secretary manager of the Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan, said his group has sent reminder notices to chicken producers to follow their on-farm food safety protocols. During a recent meeting of feed processors, hatchery barns and processing plants, everyone discussed what each sector was doing to ensure food and animal safety.
“There’s been higher security in all areas,” he said.
All the officials said there is a concern about chickens and turkeys that are in semi-confinement or in free range flocks where the birds are outside and can come into contact with wild birds.
“One of the greatest threats is from backyard flocks,” said Stewart.
