Small flock of birds in Merritt tests positive for avian flu
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MERRITT, B.C. — A small flock of birds in Merritt has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.
In a news release issued Wednesday (Nov. 8), B.C.’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food says the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that birds at eight poultry farm businesses in the Fraser Valley, along with two small flocks in Merritt and Port McNeill, have tested positive. The province says it brings the confirmed case count to 16 since Oct. 20, 2023.
The province says it will continue to work with the CFIA and poultry producers to ensure increased biosecurity measures are in place to limit the spread of H5N1 and protect flocks.
The fall migration of wild birds is typically when the disease is at highest risk of spreading from wild birds — usually waterfowl — to poultry on farms or in backyard flocks. Farms and small flock owners are asked to remain vigilant.
