The province will hold a workshop next week to give small flock poultry owners in Kelowna more information about the bird flu virus.
It will be held at Reid Hall, Benvoulin Heritage Park from 8.30am to 1pm on Thursday 29 September and is free for everyone to register. Capacity is limited.
The session will be led by BC government veterinary specialists and attendees will learn about the following:
- Improve herd or farm biosecurity to strengthen against disease outbreaks;
- Recognize the signs of bird flu and how to report cases;
- How Foreign Animal Disease Regulations Affect Small Flock Poultry;
- What to expect if a flock tests positive for bird flu; i
- Resources available to non-commercial bird owners, including diagnostic services through the BC Animal Health Centre.
Attendees will also receive a free biosecurity kit containing tools and information to help maintain good biosecurity practices.
“The risk of avian influenza to commercial poultry farms and small flocks increases each spring and fall with the migration of waterfowl and other birds across BC,” the province explained.
“The Kelowna public information session is one of a series of sessions planned for communities across BC this fall.”
Since mid-April, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed 21 cases of bird flu in small and commercial poultry flocks across BC.
It is an extension of an ongoing US outbreak.
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